Gary Loveman Elected as Chairman of AGA Board

WASHINGTON At the December annual meeting of the American Gaming Association (AGA), the AGA board of directors elected Gary Loveman, chairman, president and CEO of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., to serve as chairman of the AGA. Loveman, who succeeds J. Terrence Lanni, president and CEO of MGM MIRAGE, began his two-year term at the beginning of this month.

The AGA also elected T. J. Matthews, chairman and CEO of International Gaming Technology (IGT), as its new vice chairman of the board. He replaces William Boyd, chairman and CEO of Boyd Gaming Corporation.

“Terry’s and Bill’s leadership has helped guide the AGA to incredible success over the past two years, and we’re grateful for their service on behalf of the entire commercial gaming industry, ” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the AGA, “and we’re fortunate to have executives of the caliber and innovation as Gary and T. J. to take up the reins. Gary is one of the most vocal and persuasive advocates for the continued normalization of our industry, and his forward-looking approach will serve the AGA well. And T. J. ‘s experience and leadership on the manufacturing side will lend a fresh perspective to our leadership team. “

In addition to these elections, the board elected Gordon Kanofsky, co-chairman and executive vice president of Ameristar Casinos, Inc. as an At-Large Director to replace his predecessor at Ameristar, Craig Neilsen, who passed away in November. William Newby, managing director of Bank of America, and Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada, were re-elected as at-large board members.

“Craig was a true innovator in our industry and a truly decent and honorable man, ” Fahrenkopf said. “His presence on our board will be sorely missed, but we’re fortunate to have Gordon joining us in his stead. “

Several Class I directors also were re-elected to the AGA board, including: Peter Carlino, chairman and CEO of Penn National Gaming, Inc. ; Richard Haddrill, president, CEO and director of Bally Technologies, Inc. ; Timothy Hinkley, president and COO of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. ; Gary Loveman, chairman, president and CEO of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. ; and Tim Parrott, president of Aristocrat Technologies.

Other directors who remain on the AGA board are Thomas J. Barrack, Jr., chairman and CEO of Colony Capital, LLC; William Boyd, chairman and CEO of Boyd Gaming Corporation; Lorenzo Fertitta, president of Station Casinos, Inc. ; Brian Gamache, president and CEO of WMS Gaming; J. Terrence Lanni, chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage; Dan Lee, chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment; Russel H. McMeekin, CEO of Progressive Gaming Corporation; and Steve Wynn, chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts.

In addition to Loveman and Matthews, AGA officers include Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO; Judy Patterson, senior vice president, treasurer and secretary; Walton Chalmers, vice president; Brett Hale, vice president; and Dorothy Jackson, vice president.