Belterra Casino in Switzerland County.

(Belterra, Ind.) - There’s a new woman in charge at Belterra Casino Resort & Spa in Switzerland County.

Sue Ascanio has been named the riverboat casino’s new vice president and general manager by parent company Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., pending regulatory approval.

According to a company press release, the 45-year-old brings over 23 years of gaming entertainment management experience in several regional markets and Las Vegas to her new role at Pinnacle.  

For the last two years, Ascanio served as Assistant General Manager of Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg. Prior to that, she held senior management positions at several Station Casinos properties in Las Vegas, including as Vice President and General Manager of Texas Station Hotel and Casino from 2007 to 2008, Vice President and General Manager of Sunset Station Hotel and Casino from 2003 to 2006 and Director of Operations and Director of Food and Beverage at Palace Station Hotel and Casino from 1996 to 2003.

“We are delighted to welcome Sue to Pinnacle as she brings a broad range of casino entertainment management skills and relevant experience in the Indiana market to her new role at Belterra,” said Pinnacle Entertainment President and CEO Anthony Sanfilipp. “Throughout her career, Sue has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver a leading guest experience and improve operating performance.  Her leadership and local market expertise will be instrumental in our ability to continue distinguishing Belterra's high-quality gaming and resort options and to simultaneously further strengthen operating margins."

"I am excited to join the great team in place at Belterra, which is known for its personalized guest service and world-class amenities,” said Ascanio. “I look forward to working with Anthony and all of Belterra's team members as Pinnacle continues its focus on creating unique entertainment experiences for its guests."

Former Belterra GM Kevin Kaufman is leaving to oversee operations at River Downs Racetrack in Hamilton County’s Anderson Township, which was purchased by Pinnacle last year.

Ascanio will have to handle at least one challenge that Kaufman did not during his leadership. Cincinnati’s Horseshoe Casino is scheduled to open in late 2012, providing a third regional competitor for Belterra.

LINKS:

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