Gila River Announces Fresh Leadership for Santan Mountain Casino
In an exciting development for Gila River Resorts & Casinos, several key changes have been announced in the leadership team for their upcoming Santan Mountain Casino. The casino, set to open in July, will boast 800 slot machines, table games, and its own BetMGM sportsbook, employing 700 staff members.
David Baughn, with over 25 years of industry experience, will be a part of the leadership team. Baughn, who has spent 15 years in tribal facilities, served as Gila River's director of facilities and EVS from 2015 to 2019 and again from 2020. Prior to this, he spent 17 months as Choctaw Casinos & Resorts' facilities maintenance manager.
Joining Baughn is Blake Katsnelson, who has been with Gila River since 2009. Katsnelson, a graduate from the Arizona School for Real Estate and Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies, has held various positions within the company, including marketing coordinator, manager, supervisor, and director of casino marketing. He will be assuming the role of director of table games for Santan Mountain Casino. Before joining Gila River, Katsnelson spent time as the vice president board of directors for Settler's Point South (Phase 1) Home Owners Association and was a licensed real estate agent and sales supervisor.
Sera Ribble Cocharo, who has spent more than 13 years with Gila River Resorts & Casinos, will be the new director of food and beverage at Santan Mountain Casino. Cocharo has held positions as a restaurant manager and restaurant general manager at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, and the Restaurants General Manager for Lone Butte Casino.
Aaron Bayne, with over 27 years of experience in the gaming industry, will be the new director of casino operations. Bayne, who spent 20 years at Gila River, held positions such as table games supervisor, pit and shift manager, casino manager, and has worked as a table games supervisor and dealer for Soaring Eagle Casino for four years before joining Gila River.
Gila River's CEO, Kenneth Manuel, emphasized the company's "reputation of building lifelong careers" and the highly valuable investment in "personal and internal growth". The upcoming Santan Mountain Casino is a testament to this commitment, with numerous leadership members choosing to dedicate many years of their lives to the growth of Gila River Resorts & Casinos.
Jae Crowder was chosen as the first-ever brand icon in April, adding another exciting element to the anticipation surrounding the opening of Santan Mountain Casino. For the most current and detailed leadership information, contacting Gila River Resorts & Casinos directly or consulting their official communications would be necessary.
- David Baughn's extensive industry experience, spanning over 25 years, will be valuable in his role at the upcoming Santan Mountain Casino, which will not only offer 800 slot machines, table games, and a BetMGM sportsbook, but also delve into the realm of casino-culture.
- Sera Ribble Cocharo, with more than 13 years of service at Gila River Resorts & Casinos, will oversee the food and beverage sector at Santan Mountain Casino, joining casino-personalities like David Baughn and Blake Katsnelson.
- The Santan Mountain Casino, a new addition to Gila River Resorts & Casinos, is a symbol of the casino's commitment to casino-and-gambling, evident in their investment in the personal and internal growth of employees, as well as their partnership with BetMGM for sportsbook services.
