Page 6 - Mississippi/Louisiana Gaming News - Spring, 2023

LuAnn Pappas named Top CEO
JACKSON — The Mississippi Business Journal has awarded LuAnn Pappas, CEO of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, as
a 2023 Top
CEO. This is
the sixth year
the Mississippi
Business
Journal has
honored CEOs
who have
shaped their
businesses and
communities.
“We were delighted to recognize and honor so many great CEO’s, presidents, executive directors,
and general managers from Mississippi companies,” said Tami Jones, Mississippi Business Journal publisher. “Being able to recognize for the sixth year, the people who work to create jobs, build new facilities, and contribute to our state’s economy
and our communities, has been very gratifying and rewarding to us as most businesses are continuing to rebuild post-pandemic.”
An independent, boutique property, Scarlet Pearl recently invested $13 million in VIP amenities. The resort
is involved in the local community through multiple charitable causes.
Tami Jones, LuAnn Pappas
Emerging Leaders
A graduation celebration was held for the second class of Ameristar Casino Hotel’s Emerging Leaders training program. The 12- week program also works to enhance personal
and professional skills through focused training, challenging assignments, and conversations with senior and executive leadership. Graduates pictured are (from left) Dominique Smothers, bartender; Anthony Bailey, executive host; Raymond Banks, marketing campaign administrator; Maron James, host/cashier; Peyton Lassiter, IT support analyst; Walker Reynolds, slot tech; and Craig Bell, lead cook. Graduate Aretha Segrest, stewarding supervisor, is not pictured.
Island View chefs compete at WFC
GULFPORT — Four chef teams representing Island View Casino Resorts competed in November in
the 2022 World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas. Representing Island View were David Crabtree, executive chef, who placed fourth overall in the seafood category; Jackie Seavey, executive sous chef and former 2018 World Food Champion, who placed second in the finals of the top 10 of the dessert category; Calvin Lipe, room chef, Dockside Deli, who came in fourth place in the final round of the vegetarian category; and Deborah Thomas, room chef, The Diner, who competed in the bacon category,
placing ninth.
The four chefs made it into the final
top 10 of their categories, and as a result, received automatic entry into the 2023 World Food Championships.
Crabtree won fourth overall out of 27 teams competing in the seafood category. He was assisted again this year by his wife, Mary Crabtree.
Seavey and her team consisting of Mary Grace Moss, room chef, Prime Cut, and Seavey’s daughter Sydney Adams, qualified for the dessert final round. She took home second place in the dessert category.
Lipe teamed up for a second year with his wife Angel Lipe, manager of
Chefs Deborah Thomas, Calvin Lipe, Jackie Seavey, David Crabtree
C&G Grille, in the vegetarian category. He finished fourth overall.
This was Thomas’ third year to compete, and her team consisted of Moss and Adams. Her first round dish garnered ninth place, putting her into the final round of the bacon category.
Preserve director awarded by MTA
BILOXI — Stephen Miles, director of operations at The Preserve Golf Club, was awarded the Outstanding Turf Professional Award for
2022 by the Mississippi Turfgrass Association (MTA). The Preserve Golf Club, owned by Robert Low, is affiliated with Palace Casino Resort.
Miles along with
Jeremy Stephens, golf
course superintendent,
and the entire grounds
staff at The Preserve,
ensures the course is always kept in immaculate condition. A certified golf
course superintendent, Miles graduated from Mississippi State University’s Golf & Sports Turf Management Program in
1998.
He served as
president of the MTA in 2009, and has served on the board and on numerous MTA committees. Miles has been dedicated to the turf industry and MTA, and was instrumental in establishing Best Management Practices in Mississippi.
MTA President Alan Sullivan presented the award to Miles.
Alan Sullivan, Stephen Miles
6MISSISSIPPI GAMING NEWS
SPRING 2023