MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) today announced that Michael Mathis will replace Bill Hornbuckle as President & Chief Operating Officer of the MGM Springfield Development effective upon approval of Mathis’ individual licensing application, which is pending with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Should the Company receive the sole Western Massachusetts license award from the Commission, Mathis will transition into leading the pre-opening effort and eventual operation of the facility.
Bill Hornbuckle has held the title of MGM Springfield President throughout the project’s application phase, which began with the announcement of MGM Springfield in August 2012.
“Mike will be responsible for implementation and strategic planning for the development of MGM Springfield going forward,” Hornbuckle said. “Mike has been MGM’s leader in Massachusetts since the beginning of this project and his experience in the Western Massachusetts region provides invaluable insight, and his background and expertise will be instrumental in guiding the MGM Springfield Development through the licensing and planning processes, and the eventual opening. The time is right to be prepared to have a leader and chief operator on the ground in Springfield to demonstrate to Springfield and Western Massachusetts that we will have strong leadership and accountability on the first day of licensing.”
As one of the key senior MGM representatives in Springfield, Mathis has participated in hundreds of meetings and has met with thousands of business leaders, stakeholders and residents. Mathis will continue to lead this effort in Springfield and across Western Massachusetts to continue to foster the business and community partnerships as the project progresses through the final phase of the Commonwealth’s application process.
Mathis said, “I’m appreciative and grateful for this opportunity. There is much to be done in and around Springfield to bring this exciting project to completion. I look forward to continuing to build a team that will create a world-class urban casino-resort proposal and anchor a renaissance for this important Gateway City and the region around it.”
Since joining the company in 2011, Mathis has been part of the Global Gaming Development team for MGM Hospitality, a division of MGM Resorts. He currently holds the title of Vice President of Global Gaming Development.
A 14-year veteran of the gaming industry, Mathis previously served as Vice President of Legal Affairs and Assistant General Counsel for Boyd Gaming Corporation where he held a senior role in the Company’s corporate development department. Prior to this role, he held the position of Vice President & General Counsel for Echelon Resorts, a subsidiary of Boyd Gaming. Before joining Boyd Gaming, Mathis served as Corporate Counsel for Las Vegas Sands Corporation, performing legal work for its corporate finance, development, and design and construction departments.
Mathis holds a law degree from Georgetown University and is also a graduate of Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Asian Studies. He has been admitted to the State Bars of Nevada, New York, and New Jersey and has served as a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors. He also served as the Past President of the Discovery Children’s Museum and led the relocation of the museum in 2013 to its $50 million state of the art home at the Donald W. Reynolds Discovery Center in downtown Las Vegas.
MGM Springfield, an approximately $800 million resort, is proposed for 14.5 acres of land between Union and State streets, and Columbus Avenue and Main Street.