Rush Street Gaming Announces Its General Manager for Rivers Casino in Schenectady

Mary Cheeks, CFO of Rush Street’s Pennsylvania casinos, to lead new Upstate NY gaming venue

Mary Cheeks, General Manager, Rivers Casino - Schenectady (Photo: Business Wire)

SCHENECTADY, N.Y.--()--Rush Street Gaming has tapped the CFO of its two Pennsylvania casinos to lead the company’s newest property in Upstate New York. Mary Cheeks, who currently serves as chief financial officer and senior vice president of finance for Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh and SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia, will be the General Manager of Rivers Casino in Schenectady.

“Mary was instrumental in Rush Street’s win of the gaming license for New York’s Capital Region,” said Greg Carlin, CEO of Rush Street Gaming. “She’s a natural-born leader with an unwavering commitment to excellence and an impressive track record.”

Mary Cheeks is a 30-year gaming industry veteran with an extensive background in casino finance. She launched her gaming career in Atlantic City as an auditor for Resorts International Casino & Hotel in the mid-1980s. After earning several promotions, Mary left Resorts to be the director of finance at SMG, an agent for the Atlantic City Convention Center. From SMG, she moved to Showboat and then Harrah’s, where she served as regional vice president and CFO.

Mary joined Rush Street Gaming in 2010 as vice president of finance for SugarHouse Casino in Philly. Soon thereafter, her responsibilities grew to include leading the finance department at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. Today, as CFO and senior vice president of finance for Rush Street’s two Pennsylvania casinos, Mary heads both finance departments and serves on the senior leadership team of both properties. Mary has also been instrumental in establishing Rush Street’s state-of-the-industry supplier diversity programs.

“During my many visits to Schenectady this past year, I’ve met many residents and leaders from the community, and learned a lot about the city and its rich history. I am eager to make Schenectady my home, and I’m excited about opening Rivers Casino at Mohawk Harbor,” said Mary Cheeks.

Rush Street Gaming and its affiliates were selected in December 2014 by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board to receive one of three licenses in Upstate New York. Rivers Casino’s license to operate a casino in Schenectady and Mary Cheeks’ appointment as general manager are pending approval from the New York State Gaming Commission.

About Rush Street Gaming

Founded by Neil Bluhm and Greg Carlin, Rush Street Gaming and its affiliates have developed and operate successful casinos in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Des Plaines, IL (Chicago area). By placing an emphasis on superior design and outstanding customer service, Rush Street Gaming has become one of the leading casino developers in the United States. Existing casinos generate over $1 billion in annual gaming revenues, and all Rush Street Gaming casinos were voted a 2014 “Best Place to Work” or “Top Workplace” by their team members.

Contacts

For Rush Street Gaming
Jack Horner, 267-932-8760 x 302
412-600-2295 (cell)
jack@hornercom.com
or
For Rivers Casino—Schenectady
Tom Nardacci, 518-326-6400
tom@gramercycommunications.com

Contacts

For Rush Street Gaming
Jack Horner, 267-932-8760 x 302
412-600-2295 (cell)
jack@hornercom.com
or
For Rivers Casino—Schenectady
Tom Nardacci, 518-326-6400
tom@gramercycommunications.com