PLAS VEGAS -- Tom O'Donnell has been named senior vice president and general manager of Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel, effective March 7, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. announced.
O'Donnell will succeed Patrick Dennehy, who was previously named senior vice president and general manager of Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel & Casino and Harrah's Louisiana Downs. Both appointments are subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals.
O'Donnell has 23 years experience in the gaming industry, including stints as general manager of Showboat Atlantic City and Harrah's Joliet. From 1993 to 1995, he served as general manager of the Turning Stone Casino in Oneida, N.Y., where he oversaw the initial development of the Oneida Indian Nation- owned property.
"Tom's strong track record as a Harrah's general manager and his familiarity with Indian gaming make him an ideal candidate for this position," said Carlos Tolosa, Harrah's Eastern Division president. "His experience as a developer will be particularly valuable as Harrah's Cherokee moves toward the completion of a 320-room hotel expansion later this year. Harrah's Cherokee will be well-positioned for growth, and Tom is the right man to deliver on that potential."
Harrah's Cherokee, located in western North Carolina, is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and managed by a subsidiary of Harrah's Entertainment.
Various subsidiaries of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. own or manage 28 casinos in the United States, primarily under the Harrah's and Horseshoe brand names. Founded 67 years ago, Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its valued customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.
