Throughout the poker industry there are women that are very rarely seen or spoken of in the media. They are not professional players; they are not spokesmodels for poker sites; they are not the eye candy reported in main stream live reporting. They have become; however, the heart and soul of poker. They are the ones who, in many ways, keep the industry alive from the other side of the felt.

One such woman is World Poker Tours’ Haley Jones. Haley came to the World Poker Tour (WPT) from a background in entertainment marketing five years ago at the suggestion of a friend.  She quickly moved into her current position as the Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, one of the highest ranking positions held by a woman at the WPT.

Haley’s experience in poker consisted of home games and one tournament but in that short time she developed a love of the game, and once employed by the WPT, a love of the poker industry. “I wanted to be involved in poker, and not just as a player. There is an entire industry out there with plenty of ways for women to enter the poker industry even if they don’t have the skills or simply do not want to play as a professional,” said Haley, “There are so many ways to still enjoy the game.”

Haley’s position within the World Poker Tour encompasses many tasks and is fast paced. “WPT is a constantly evolving brand and my job grows and changes along with WPT,” she says. “Each season has been more challenging and more interesting than the last.  So far Season 9 does not disappoint. We have a lot of momentum behind us right now and a new vibe I think viewers are going to love.  And our recent multi-season re-up with FSN has me looking forward to many more years with WPT.” Her job includes almost every aspect of marketing for the WPT from creating positive ways to identify the WPT as the top in its field through public relations to rebranding and working with casino partners of the WPT including the new additions of the Seminole Hard Rock properties. The position bends into over seeing the licensing of the brand name hand held games as well as marketing the never ending list of promotions and advancements that the World Poker Tour is known for such as the new “Raw Deal” critic contest to become the next new analyst to host a recurring segment called "The Raw Deal” as well as the new addition of the “Royal Flush Girls.”

The “Royal Flush Girls” are six hostesses who will aid in all aspects of the WPT tournaments; they will be on-site for the duration of every tournament, taking viewers behind the scenes and taking a more active overall approach in WPT tournaments. While Haley credits the success of her position to an energetic and exciting team, WPT President Adam Pliska says “Haley is smart, tough and creative.  She commands respect in the poker business and community while facilitating cooperation and creative thinking.  That’s no easy task among the very colorful personalities of the poker industry. Haley is definitely someone you want on your team.”

How does Haley handle the day to day pressure of a high pressure, fast paced career? The answer is obvious. People who love what they do seem to have a charisma or enthusiasm about them. Haley’s’ attitudes are contagious and easily translate into her successful career.  “I adore my job and poker,” she says simply. And it is apparent not only by the contributions she has made to the World Poker Tour but by the energy that she brings to a hectic and excited atmosphere. “Haley’s role is unique in the poker industry.  As the steward of one of the biggest brands in poker, Haley must balance the continual evolution of an extraordinary brand with its tremendous history. She deftly handles the tremendous expectations put on her and has made a significant imprint on the WPT and poker,” adds Pliska. Haley says she has no specific plans for her future in poker but with her enthusiasm and vision for the future of poker; who knows . . . the sky is the limit.

The poker world is still new and fresh, ever changing and full of opportunities for women to start exciting careers.  Women like Haley Jones are testament that women can fill those positions and find their place in the poker industry. Women can and have made an impact that can be felt through out the poker world.

Woman Poker Player would like to thank Haley for taking the time to talk with us. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.