WASHINGTON - At the annual meetings of its board of directors and members held this week in Las Vegas, the American Gaming Association held elections for officers and members of its board of directors, voted to expand the board, and formally approved the creation of an industrywide Diversity Task Force.

Thomas E. Gallagher, president and CEO of Park Place Entertainment, was elected to a one-year term completing the term of Arthur Goldberg, who passed away in October. Charles Mathewson of International Game Technology (IGT), Philip G. Satre of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and Glenn Schaeffer of Mandalay Resort Group all were re-elected to three-year terms. Other members of the board are William S. Boyd of Boyd Gaming Corporation, Donald L. Carano of Eldorado Hotel & Casino, R.D. Hubbard of Pinnacle Entertainment, Sol Kerzner of Sun International Hotels Ltd., J. Terrence Lanni of MGM MIRAGE, Bill Newby of Bank of America, Larry Ruvo of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, David J. Thompson of Mikohn Gaming Corporation and Stephen A. Wynn of Valvino Lamore, LLC. Additionally, the 13-member board voted to expand by four seats, which will be filled during the next few months.

The board also approved new officers. Mathewson was re-appointed to a one-year term as chairman, while Satre was elected vice chairman. Other AGA officers are Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO; Judy L. Patterson, senior vice president, secretary and treasurer; Walton M. Chalmers, vice president; and John E. Shelk, vice president.

“We are very fortunate to have the leaders of our industry take such an active role in the operation of our association,” Fahrenkopf said. “Our newly elected board and officers will help guide our organization into the future.”

Among other agenda items, the board formally approved the creation of an industrywide Diversity Task Force. The task force, which began meeting in August, will move forward with a plan to promote diversity within the gaming industry. Comprised of representatives from human resources, legal, public affairs, community relations, government affairs and other related disciplines, the task force will work to disseminate information about best industry practices, standardize data and collection methods, and spearhead education and training programs.

“While our companies have a lot of individual success stories, we also recognize that we need to replicate this success throughout the industry, build on this success, and tell our story with one voice,” Fahrenkopf said. “It’s an ambitious goal, but one that now has a formal commitment from the top.”

The American Gaming Association represents the commercial casino-entertainment industry by addressing federal legislative and regulatory issues. The association also serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational and advocacy programs, and provides leadership on industry-related issues of public concern.