Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant Biloxi has named a number of key members to its management team including Cynthia Simms, who will serve as director of human resources.

As the project nears its anticipated Spring/Summer 2012 opening, Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant Biloxi has named key members to its management team.

Cynthia Simms will serve as director of human resources. Simms has more than 10 years in the gaming industry, beginning at Harrah’s Casino, Joliet, Ill., and rising to regional vice president of human resources for Caesars Entertainment, Tunica, Miss. Simms was tapped to administer all human resources tasks associated with the $9 billion acquisition of Caesars Entertainment by Harrah’s Entertainment.

Kay Day has been named director of marketing. Day has 20 years of marketing and management experience, specializing in the areas of VIP and special events. Traveling around the world with NIKE, Inc. and Park Place Entertainment, Day has worked with some of the top names in sports and entertainment such as Michael Jordon, Roy Jones, Jr., and Pavarotti.

Jody Miles has been named director of surveillance. He has 18 years experience in surveillance and security along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. During that time, he has worked for Isle of Capri, Hard Rock and IP casinos. Miles holds certifications in Table Games Protection, Internal Theft Control, Interview & Interrogation Techniques and other specialized areas.

Joe Ellis will serve as director of facilities & environmental services. A native of Biloxi, Miss, Ellis began his career with Grand Casino in 1988. By 2001, he was a facilities shift manager for two hotel/casinos. Later, as casino/hotel facilities manager, he prepared the Grand Casino facilities in an effort to mitigate damage from Hurricane Katrina. He was an integral part of the team that reopened the Grand Biloxi in 2006.

Adam Jowett, the newly named director of security/transportation, began his security career with the Trump Organization in New York City. As a security leader, he has held positions of investigator, supervisor, manager, and director in the Gulf Coast gaming/entertainment industry. Most recently, he has been a member of the Palace Casino Resort’s security department during its renovation and reopening.

Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant Biloxi is located on the eastern tip of Biloxi’s Back Bay and is scheduled to open Spring/Summer 2012. Over 1,000 people are projected to be employed. The resort will have a 26,000 square-foot casino, a signature Margaritaville restaurant, a buffet uniquely themed and a multi-purpose events center. The marina will have complete facilities for 12 vessels and tie-up space for an additional 30-40 boats.