Shaping the Future

Jody Collins, Vice President of Global Development, MGM Resorts International

As vice president of global development at MGM Resorts International, Jody Collins has a front-row seat to some of the most transformative gaming projects in the world. Her work spans market analysis, feasibility assessments, and crafting winning proposals for global gaming opportunities.

Collins’ early career was marked by steep learning curves. She entered the industry without the foundational knowledge many of her peers possessed, and was unfamiliar with Las Vegas and its casino-resort culture. To overcome this, she immersed herself in learning—from shadowing colleagues to experiencing MGM’s properties as a guest. “I spent a fair amount of time being a guest, seeing why our industry is truly an entertainment industry and why our guests pick us,” she recalls.

What set Collins apart was her ability to make decisions confidently, even with limited information. This skill, coupled with her resilience, helped her quickly establish herself as a valued team member in the fast-paced world of global development.

Collins’ path to her current role is a story of determination and adaptability. Without a background in gaming, she joined MGM’s Management Associate Program after earning her bachelor of arts in English language and literature & French studies from Smith College in 2013. Through this rotational program, she explored various facets of the company’s operations, with a focus on organizational development in human resources.

A key turning point came when she contributed to MGM’s Springfield, Massachusetts RFP submission for one of the state’s gaming licenses. This project exposed her to the complexities of gaming development and ignited a passion for the field that has defined her career ever since.

By 2014, Collins joined MGM’s development team as an associate, and her ability to learn quickly and navigate ambiguity helped her rise rapidly, earning a promotion to senior associate in 2016 and then to director of global development in 2017.

Collins attributes much of her success to MGM’s culture of mentorship and sponsorship. She participated in formal programs like the Accelerated Leadership Program and benefited from informal guidance from senior executives. “Sponsorship got me into the room, and mentorship taught me what to do once the door opened,” she explains. These relationships not only provided her with opportunities but also helped her navigate the challenges of her career.

Reflecting on her journey, Collins takes pride in the tangible impact of her work. From creating jobs to generating millions of dollars for local communities, she sees her efforts as part of a larger mission. She is particularly proud of MGM’s Japan project, which she describes as a “remarkable example of cross-cultural collaboration and the power of a shared vision.” The project, nearly a decade in the making, has been a defining experience in her career.

Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone has also been instrumental. “Being unafraid to do something that didn’t feel like my strength at the time” was a decision that had the greatest impact on her career, she says.

As the gaming industry evolves, Collins sees exciting opportunities for young professionals. The intersection of gaming and technology, as well as the emergence of new customer demographics, presents a unique chance for the next generation to shape the industry. She advises young professionals to gain cross-functional experience early in their careers, as it becomes harder to acquire later on.

“Our industry thrives on cross-functional leaders,” she says. “Do as many roles as you can, even if through shadowing.”

Being named to the 40 Under 40 list is a significant honor for Collins, but for her, it’s about more than personal achievement. “It means that my peers recognize my efforts,” she reflects. “Your peers know your work better than anyone, so it’s a motivator to keep at it.”

Collins’ journey from an inexperienced industry newcomer to a leader shaping the future of global gaming is a testament to curiosity, adaptability, and mentorship. Her story exemplifies how challenges can be transformed into opportunities, and how a commitment to learning and collaboration can lead to meaningful impact. As she continues to drive innovation and foster community development, Collins is not only shaping her own path but also contributing to the future of the gaming industry.