In my decades of working in the Hospitality and Gaming Industry, I have met hundreds (if not thousands) of professionals. I have watched many of those individuals rise through the ranks to achieve great success in earning their reputations for character and integrity in leadership.
When the idea of a “Best of The Best” rank was first discussed with colleagues at the last G2E gathering in Las Vegas, it sounded like a grand idea to recognize those individuals at the top of the profession. Peers and co-workers are encouraged to nominate professionals who deserve recognition.
We organized a small group of industry insiders to select candidates to be honored with the “Best of The Best” recognition.
We applaud the success of leaders who show us the way to do business and thrive, in any environment.
DENNIS P. RIZZO
President/CEO
Bentley Price Associates, Inc.
As VP F&B, Josef Wagner is responsible for the overall vision and strategic direction of the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes-rated Bellagio Resort & Casino, Park MGM, and NoMad Las Vegas over $500M in annual Food & Beverage revenues. Dan Nogal keeps good company as the latest inductee to the Bentley Price Associates’ “Best of The Best” list. In 2006, Birtha was recognized as one of the “Top 40 under 40” business executives in Las Vegas and, more recently, as one of the “Faces of Cleveland 2016” and the “Sacramento 100” most notable business leaders in 2021. As president of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento, he keeps rising to the top of the game. When you work with HR executives around the globe, you begin to recognize special talents. Elise Campbell is a unique individual who balances the needs of all stakeholders. We welcome her to the Bentley Price Associates’ “Best of The Best” list of human resource professionals in the hospitality and casino gaming industry. Dawn Clayton has come a long way since she dealt craps in Atlantic City. After four decades she has become one of the most admired businesswomen in hospitality. She joins the “Best of The Best” in Executive Operations. Christina Clifton is motivated by a passion for all things restaurants. As Chief Operating Officer of the Columbus Hospitality Group, she has an impressive career in the food & beverage industry. This month she joins the Bentley Price Associates’ “Best of The Best” list. Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash Casino on California’s Central Coast has many talents. He is an award-winning executive chef and an accredited sommelier. Arthur “Arte” Nathan is a veteran hospitality and casino gaming industry authority on how the profession of human resources impacts every property—big or small. His consulting practice focuses on human capital management and development, professional assessments, and executive coaching. Brian Gullbrants, President of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, has been a champion for change in his own career and for the properties he manages. Christopher Fava earned his recognition as “Best of The Best in Food & Beverage” over a 20-plus-year career. As Vice President of F&B at Yaamava Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Southern California, he oversees 1,600 employees.
Josef Wagner, VP Food & Beverage, Bellagio Resort & Casino
Dan Nogal, Chief Human Resources Officer at Chumash Enterprises
Hard Rock Sacramento’s Mark Birtha Joins “Best of The Best”
Navajo Nation Gaming’s Elise Campbell Named “Best of The Best” in HR
Thunder Valley Casino Resorts’ Dawn Clayton Joins “Best of The Best”
Columbus Hospitality Group’s Christina Clifton Joins “Best of The Best”
F&B Executive Peter Sherlock Named to “Best of The Best”
HR Innovator Arthur ‘Arte’ Nathan is “Best of The Best”
Wynn Las Vegas’ Brian Gullbrants Named “Best of The Best”
Yaamava’s VP F&B Christopher Fava