Gagnon named new president/CEO of Pearl River Resort

by Associated Press

Published: May 21,2012

Tags: Conventions, entertainment, executive, executive management, executive team, food, gambling, gaming, hospitality, hotels, indians, lodging, meetings, Native Americans, nightlife, restaurants, tourism, tourists, vacationers, vacationing, vacations, visitors

CHOCTAW — Holly Gagnon has been selected president and CEO of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ Pearl River Resort.

Gagnon’s most recent roles were vice president of finance/planning and analysis for Caesars Entertainment and lecturer at the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts. Gagnon is also a certified public accountant (CPA).

Chief Phyliss J. Anderson, Tribal Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, noted the Choctaw Resort Development Enterprise (CRDE board placed a very high priority on making changes and improvements to the gaming, hospitality and guest services at the Resort. Gagnon’s gaming management experience and performance made her the clear choice for the job.

Gagnon will be responsible for day-to-day operations of all Resort properties including the Silver Star Hotel and Casino, Golden Moon Hotel and Casino, Bok Homa Casino, Dancing Rabbit Golf Club and Geyser Falls Water Theme Park.

Gagnon previously served as president of Gold Strike Casino Resort for MGM Mirage; Tunica Regional vice president, finance, Harrah’s Entertainment; assistant general manager, Harrah’s Entertainment; and vice president of finance North Kansas City, Harrah’s Entertainment. She was also on the opening team for Foxwoods Casino, where she held senior leadership positions in finance and information technology.

Gagnon will take over the reins of the Resort June 1.