News Article

Kent Caputo, Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority’s chief operating officer, will discuss the Tribe’s economic development growth at a Gonzaga University Dean’s Business Forum at 7:30 a.m., Thursday, June 26 in the Jepson Center’s Wolff Auditorium.

Caputo’s one-hour talk is titled, “Soaring to New Heights – Airway Heights: Major Economic Expansion of the Kalispel Tribe,” and includes discussion of the significant capital project under way with expansion of the Northern Quest Casino property in Airway Heights.

The lecture will take place following a continental breakfast that begins at 7 a.m. The event is open to the public at a cost of $15 per person, which includes breakfast. Early reservations are recommended as the forums fill up rapidly. Please call the GU School of Business Administration at (509) 323-5991 to ensure accommodations will be available.

As chief operating officer, Caputo oversees Kalispel’s economic enterprises, ongoing economic development and development projects, including the current Casino and Casino Expansion. Additionally, Caputo offers legal, regulatory and policy counsel and provides oversight and coordination of communications and government relations.

Caputo has been a legal, business and policy adviser to the Kalispel Tribe since 1997. Prior to joining the KTEA executive team, Caputo practiced law in Seattle, specializing in tribal gaming business and regulatory issues. Prior to private practice, he served as legislative counsel for the Washington state House of
Representatives and as legal counsel to Washington’s governor.

Caputo has been included in multiple editions of the “Best Lawyers in America” and was listed among Washington CEO Magazine’s “League of Justice: Most Amazing Attorneys” as well as Seattle Business Monthly and Seattle’s Magazine annual listing of the top business lawyers in the Puget Sound Area.
Caputo graduated as an honors scholar from the University of Puget Sound with a bachelor’s degree in economics (1984) and a law degree (1989). He lives in Spokane with his wife and their two children.

Register to receive e-mail notices for upcoming events of the Dean’s Business Forum Board at the following Web site For more information contact Maureen Duclos at (509) 313-3404 or via e-mail.