Page 6 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Spring, 2026

Moving Ahead
Haskins semi-retires; Scarlet Pearl promotes Prosser
D’IBERVILLE — Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort announced the promotion of April Prosser to casino marketing director, while Vicki Haskins will move from that role
to assistant to the CEO and community relations as she semi-retires. In her new job, Prosser will be responsible for the overall leadership of promotions and casino hosts, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer LuAnn Pappas.
Prosser began her gaming industry
April Prosser
Vicki Haskins
career in 2000 as a front desk agent at Harrah’s Gulf Coast. She was promoted to national marketing manager in 2016. Prosser joined Scarlet Pearl in 2024 as manager of player development.
Employed at Scarlet Pearl for nearly 11 years, Haskins said that after 34 years in the casino industry it was time to take a step back. Her new job includes supporting Pappas and handling Scarlet Pearl Cares in the community.
Ameristar has new director of facilities
VICKSBURG
— Ameristar
Casino & Hotel
named Sam
Bahnasi as
director of
facilities. In this
role, he will
oversee the
engineering,
stewarding and
building and
grounds departments, reporting to General Manager Randy Peterson.
With more than 13 years of experience in facilities management, Bahnasi has a diverse background spanning the gaming industry, healthcare, and higher education.
Bahnasi holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and another in manufacturing engineering and production technology. He also holds a Master of Business Administration.
Sam Bahnasi
Beau makes personnel announcements
BILOXI — Beau Rivage Resort & Casino recently announced two promotions and named a new director. Promoted were Shawn Roof, chief of security, and Jason Velez, director of surveillance, while Ernest “EJ” Clinton has been hired as director of facilities.
Roof began his career with MGM Resorts at Excalibur in
Las Vegas. In July 2022, Shawn was promoted to director of security at Beau Rivage, where he was an integral part of the security operations team for two years before advancing to director of security operations at ARIA and Vdara in July 2024. Returning to Beau Rivage as chief of security, Roof brings more than a decade of leadership experience.
Shawn Roof
New director of surveillance, Velez will oversee the daily operations of the surveillance department, ensure the integrity of gaming, and protect company assets. He will direct all surveillance-related activities across the property, including
the detection and investigation of advantage play, cheating,
theft, and other illegal activities. Velez will also be responsible for leading a high-performing team, maintaining strong relationships with regulatory agencies, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and company regulations.
Prior to coming to Beau Rivage, Clinton worked as director
of facilities at Hard Rock Biloxi for the past five years. He
brings a wealth of experience in casino operations and facilities management to his new job, with a proven record of maintaining operational excellence, optimizing property assets, and driving efficiency through preventive maintenance programs.
Jason Velez
6MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS
SPRING 2026
Schenck promoted, Mulkey hired at Hard Rock
BILOXI — Hard Rock made two personnel announcements. Russell Schenck was promoted to executive director of gaming, overseeing slots, table games, international marketing, player development and sportsbook operations. Additionally, Mike Mulkey was named director of facilities.
Schenck began his career in the gaming industry more than 30 years ago. He joined Hard Rock in 2011 as a dual rate dealer/supervisor. As executive director of gaming, Schenck’s goals are to enhance the customer experience,
boost revenue and optimize operations through streamlined processes.
While working in the industry, Schenck obtained his degree from Tulane University in the Casino Gaming Resort Management program.
As facilities director, Mulkey will oversee the daily operation of the maintenance department ensuring equipment is operational, building systems are maintained and preventative maintenance is performed.
Mulkey has more than 26 years of experience in the gaming industry. He
Russell Mike
Schenck
Mulkey
spent the past 19 years at Beau Rivage, most recently as director of facilities.