MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) has named industry veteran Melonie Johnson president and chief operating officer of MGM National Harbor. In this role, Johnson assumes the top leadership position at Maryland’s newest and most successful entertainment and gaming resort. She will be responsible for developing strategic direction for the popular destination, overseeing daily operations of the 308-room hotel: the culinary, entertainment and convention programs; an expansive gaming floor and; and the 4,000-member workforce.
Anton Nikodemus, regional operations president and COO for MGM Resorts, said, “We are excited to have Melonie assume this new role. Her decades of leadership experience– along with her financial expertise and strategic thinking – will serve both our company and our community well as she takes the helm at MGM National Harbor.”
Johnson’s expansive career boasts key leadership positions at resorts throughout the U.S. She has worked for MGM Resorts since 2015, serving most recently as president and chief operating officer of Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss. The Gold Strike Tunica operation achieved record performance under Johnson’s leadership, where she established a service-oriented culture and strategic plans that ensured both short- and long-term goals were accomplished.
Johnson accepts the position previously held by Bill Boasberg, who was recently named president and COO of Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Miss. Boasberg played an integral part of the development of MGM National Harbor beginning in 2015, guiding the Maryland team through the resort’s successful 2016 grand opening and record-setting inaugural year. The resort has been an unparalleled addition to Maryland business community as one of the state’s highest contributors of tax revenue and consistently the largest contributor to Maryland’s Education Trust Fund, adding more than $140 million as of November 1, 2017.
Johnson’s gaming experience includes serving as assistant general manager at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia, chief financial officer and interim general manager at Hollywood Casino Aurora in Illinois, and as regional vice president of operations and vice president of finance for Caesars Entertainment Corporation.
Johnson says, “MGM National Harbor’s emphasis from day one was to bring new opportunities and experiences to Prince George’s County. I am honored to have this opportunity to help craft the next chapter. With insights from the incredible MGM National Harbor team, I intend to continue our company’s commitment to our customers, our employees, and our community. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with many new friends and neighbors to further build our business and our ongoing support of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and the entire region.”
Ms. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of New Orleans. She assumed her new role at MGM National Harbor on December 4.
The newest addition to the MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) portfolio, MGM National Harbor has an unrivaled setting offering stunning panoramic views of the eastern shore of the Potomac River in Maryland. The $1.4 billion LEED Gold Certified resort, which opened December 8, 2016, sits a short distance from Washington, D.C. to the north and historic sites, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate across the river in Virginia. The 24-story, 308-room resort features premier amenities and experiences for locals as well as visitors from around the world including a dynamic casino with over 125,000 square feet of space that includes slots, table games and poker; a world-class spa and salon; an entertainment theater with flexible seating for up to 3,000; high-end branded retail; 50,000 square feet of meeting space; and restaurants from renowned local, national and international chefs. For more info, visit mgmnationalharbor.com.
