TUCSON, AZ – Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment recently announced the hiring of Mike Bean as its new Chief Executive Officer. His appointment follows an extensive nationwide search by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise (TOGE), and Bean will report directly to the TOGE Management Board of Directors.
Bean has served in senior management positions at some of the largest gaming operations in the country, including Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Harrah’s Entertainment and Boyd Gaming. At Foxwoods, Bean was part of the team that grew the first casino on the east coast outside of Atlantic City from 1,200 team members to more than 12,000.
Over the course of more than a decade, Bean has played an integral leadership role in the successful development, opening and operation of Mohegan Sun Pocono, Pennsylvania’s first casino and Mohegan Sun’s first commercial casino. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the Saginaw Chippewa Gaming Enterprises, overseeing three locations.
“Mike Bean has the experience and expertise that we’re looking for in our next CEO,” said Justin Manuel, Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise Management Board. “This is an exciting time for tribal gaming in Arizona. We need a leader who is forward-thinking and ready to embrace a new era of gaming in our state. Mike understands where we’re going and what we want to accomplish – for our Enterprise, for the Tohono O’odham Nation, and for our community partners across Arizona.”
“I am proud to become part of this great organization and to have this tremendous opportunity,” said Bean. “Desert Diamond Casinos has an incredible team in place and a record of providing quality gaming entertainment. The future of Desert Diamond Casinos is bright and I am honored to take the helm as we move forward with new gaming opportunities at our facilities.”