On the Move
Departments
On the Move
Who’s going where and doing what in the gaming industry
AGUA CALIENTE CASINO SPA RESORT
Ken Carnahan was promoted to executive director of slot performance for the Agua Caliente Casino and Spa Resort in Palm Springs, Calif. In his new role, Carnahan will be responsible for all slot performance activities at both Agua Caliente Casino and Spa Resort Casino. He spent the last two years as director of slots at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Agua Caliente Casino and Spa Resort Casino are owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
Bill Boyd, gaming industry icon and executive chairman of Boyd Gaming Corporation, has stepped down from the American Gaming Association board of directors. Virginia McDowell, president and chief operating officer of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., was elected the first female member of the AGA board. Boyd remains the president of the AGA’s affiliated charity, the National Center for Responsible Gaming.
AMERISTAR CASINOS
Kimberly Planck assumed the position of assistant general manager at the Ameristar Black Hawk Casino in Black Hawk, Colo. In this capacity, Planck will work with the general manager on property operations, including the construction of a 536-room, 33-story hotel tower to open the second half of 2009. Planck previously served as vice president of casino operations at Ameristar Black Hawk. Before coming to the Black Hawk property in March 2005, Planck served at Ameristar’s corporate office in Las Vegas as corporate director of slot operations.
Michelle Shriver was promoted to senior vice president of operations. Shriver will be based in Ameristar’s corporate office in Las Vegas and report to John Boushy, Ameristar CEO and president. In her new role, Shriver will be responsible for all gaming and hotel operations. Shriver previously served as senior vice president and general manager of Ameristar Black Hawk Casino. Shriver’s career with Ameristar began in 1996 in the corporate marketing department. She transferred to a property marketing position in 1998 and returned to Ameristar’s corporate offices in 2000 as a director of marketing.
CADILLAC JACK
Cadillac Jack Inc. announced the appointment of Kenneth Anthony as chief financial officer. Anthony will oversee all accounting-related operations and direct the company’s financial initiatives. Prior to joining Cadillac Jack, Anthony served as chief financial officer for Timbervest, a privately-held company. In addition, he has financial leadership experience in Kmart Corporation, Ford Motor Credit Corporation, Apple Computer and Ernst & Young.
CASH SYSTEMS INC.
Cash Systems Inc. announced the resignation of one of its directors, Don Kornstein Jan. 16. Kornstein has served on the board of directors since 2006.
GAMING STANDARDS ASSOCIATION
The Gaming Standards Association named Ethan Tower its new protocol director. Tower will join the staff immediately and oversee the continuing development of GSA’s System-to-System protocol as well as ensure alignment of schemas between S2S and the Game-to- System protocol. Tower is a 15-year veteran of the gaming industry. During that time, he has held system development positions with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, GameLogic, Foxwoods Resort Casino, International Game Technology and SyCo Development Corporation.
HARMON RESOURCES
Harmon Resources named Julie Della Penna director. Della Penna is responsible for overseeing the efforts of three of the company’s four divisions: human resources consulting, professional search and small business solutions. Della Penna has a background of human resources and employee relations experience, which stems from her work at the Aladdin Resort and Casino.
HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENT
Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. announced that it has extended the existing employment agreement with Gary Loveman, the company’s chairman, chief executive officer and president. Loveman will remain in those positions following completion of the merger of Harrah’s with affiliates of TPG and Apollo Management, L.P., which occurred in late-January.
SANTA ANA STAR CASINO
Santa Ana Star Casino has promoted Nan Evans to chief financial officer. With 11 years of accounting experience, Evans will manage the casino’s day-to-day financial operations. Evans’ responsibilities will also include overseeing the casino cashier, the information technology department, the drop and count, compliance purchasing and the accounting department. Prior to her promotion, Evans was Santa Ana Star Casino’s controller, overseeing the accounting department where she was responsible for the accuracy of financial records.
VALLEY VIEW CASINO
Valley View Casino hired Chef Ray “Chip” McCarty to its culinary team at Black&Blue steakhouse. McCarty will be taking on the position of room chef at the restaurant. He comes to Valley View Casino with over 16 years of culinary experience. Prior to joining the team at Valley View Casino, McCarty helped open the celebrated Tommy V’s steakhouse in La Costa, Calif.
YOUBET.COM
Charles F. Champion stepped down from his position of chief executive officer and chairman at Youbet.com. Champion will work with the company to effectuate a smooth transition to a new chief executive, and he will provide advice and assistance as requested by the board of directors.
Gary W. Sproule has been named interim CEO of Youbet.com. As interim CEO, Sproule will focus on Youbet’s online business, including revenue growth and ongoing initiatives. Sproule, who has been with Youbet since 2002, has been chief operating officer of the company since July of this year and previously served as chief financial officer.
