WAYLAND, MI – Gun Lake Casino has announced three significant organizational changes. Effective immediately, Brian Penninga has been appointed as Director of Marketing, Carter Pavey as the Vice President of Operations, and Jose Flores will assume the role of Senior Vice President and General Manager.
These organizational appointments come as the Gun Lake team works towards the future opening of phase 5 of a $300-million expansion. This latest expansion features a 252 room Four Diamond hotel, a full-service spa, and the Wawye Oasis, which is comprised of multiple swimming pools inside the 32,000 sq. ft. entertainment complex. When opened in March 2025, it will offer private cabanas, a swim-up bar, live music entertainment, meeting space, and additional dining. This expansion will transition the property towards becoming Gun Lake Casino Resort and position it as a top gaming and entertainment destination in western Michigan.
Brian Penninga, a team member since 2016, began as a bartender at Gun Lake Casino and has held various roles, including Assistant Beverage Manager, Marketing Manager, and most recently, Assistant Director of Marketing. In this new capacity as Director of Marketing, he will lead the marketing team in developing and executing strategic marketing initiatives to promote Gun Lake Casino’s gaming, dining, and entertainment offerings.
Carter Pavey, a day-one team member of the Gun Lake Casino, has been with the property since its opening and has previously held the roles of Director of Marketing and Assistant General Manager. In his new role as Vice President of Operations, Pavey will oversee several operations departments of Gun Lake Casino.
Jose Flores has been appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager. In his new role, Flores will oversee all aspects of the property, including the forthcoming hotel and entertainment complex, as well as gaming, dining, entertainment, and guest services.
“Gun Lake Casino is excited to announce these new appointments for Brian Penninga, Carter Pavey and Jose Flores and thank them both for their dedication to our team members, guests, and the Gun Lake Tribe” said Sal Semola, President and CEO of Gun Lake Casino. “Their combined expertise, passion for the industry, and dedication to delivering exceptional experiences will ensure that Gun Lake Casino continues to excel as a premier gaming and entertainment destination.”
