Saracen Casino Resort has a new CEO in Rod Centers, whom the Downstream Development Authority selected for his more than 25 years of operations leadership, including 15 years in charge of casino and hospitality properties across the country.
“Saracen is one of the finest properties in the South, and I am honored to lead it,” said Centers. “This team helped build Saracen into what it is today, and this is the team that will carry it into the future. My job is to take it further, and we start today: for our guests, for our team members, and for the goal of making Saracen the best gaming and entertainment destination in Arkansas.”
Centers entered the gaming industry at Caesars Entertainment, where he held the position of vice president of operations and continuous improvement. His responsibilities there covered the Central Division, along with the Flamingo, Harrah’s, Caesars Palace and Rio in Las Vegas.
He later spent eight years in general manager and senior operating roles with Pinnacle Entertainment, JACK Entertainment and Penn National Gaming. The properties under his leadership in that period were Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Ameristar Kansas City and Boomtown Bossier City. Across those operations, team member engagement rose 39% and turnover fell 29%.
One of his most recent leadership roles was chief operating officer of Seneca Gaming Corporation, the gaming enterprise of the Seneca Nation.
In that capacity, Centers led operations at Seneca Niagara, Seneca Buffalo Creek and Seneca Allegany. According to the company, all three properties recorded stronger team member engagement, a better guest experience and deeper guest loyalty under his leadership.
Centers has also served as an adviser to MGM Resorts, Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Ak-Chin.
“Rod has run large properties for the biggest operators in the business and for a tribal nation, and he knows what it takes to win in a competitive market,” said Billy Shapp, chairman of the Downstream Development Authority.
“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. Our commitment to Pine Bluff and Jefferson County is stronger than ever, and it starts with the people who work here and the community that has supported us since day one,” Shapp added.