GamblingNews recently reported that Saracen Casino Resort, а Quapaw Nation-operated property, made the sudden decision to terminate two executive-level employees due to alleged misconduct. The casino has now come forward to announce the appointment of a new chief executive officer.
Rod Centers to Step in as CEO
This Monday, the Quapaw Nation of Oklahoma’s Downstream Development Authority confirmed the appointment of the experienced Rod Centers as the new chief executive officer of Saracen Casino Resort. The appointment came shortly after the property parted ways with its general manager and chief marketing officer.
As the new Saracen Casino Resort leader, Centers will be tasked with keeping the property competitive and allowing it to move in a new direction. He has held a variety of executive positions at tribal casinos, such as Seneca Allegany, Seneca Buffalo Creek, and Seneca Niagara. His career also spans positions at commercial gaming companies, such as Caesars Entertainment, Jack Entertainment, and Penn Entertainment.
According to Billy Shapp, chair of the Quapaw Nation’s Downstream Development Authority, Centers has experience in both commercial and tribal gaming, which is exactly what Saracen Casino Resort needs. Shapp explained that this understanding of the broader gaming ecosystem means that Centers knows what it takes to “win in a competitive market.”
The board is moving forward with new leadership and a new direction, and we chose the person who can take Saracen where it should go.
Billy Shapp, chair, Downstream Development Authority
Centers also commented on his appointment, saying that he is pleased to join what he considers to be “one of the finest properties in the South.” He applauded the Saracen team for turning the property into a premium gaming destination and vowed to take things even further.
The Casino Terminated Two Executives, Citing Conflict of Interests
As mentioned, Centers’ appointment comes shortly after Saracen Casino Resort parted ways with two of its leaders, namely general manager Matt Harkness and chief marketing officer Carlton Saffa.
The two executives were terminated after the Downstream Development Authority understood that they had founded a separate gaming company called GamePhysics. According to the authority, this was inconsistent with their duties of employment at Saracen. The resolution to terminate the two due to alleged misconduct was approved unanimously with a 5-0 vote and was later approved by the Quapaw Nation Business Committee.
In addition to that, Harkness was accused of not providing the financial oversight expected of a general manager.