Mike Bean Named Executive Operations "Best of The Best"

Mike Bean serves as Chief Executive Officer of Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, overseeing its four casinos’ operations and the organization’s continued growth. Mike has served in senior management positions at the country’s largest and most reputable gaming operations, including Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Harrah’s Entertainment, and Boyd Gaming.

At Foxwoods, Mike was part of the team that grew the first casino on the east coast outside of Atlantic City from its modest beginnings with 1,200 team members to more than 12,000 team members with more than 5,000 slot machines, 500 table games, and 25 restaurants, as part of accelerated construction of the resort complex to meet the demands of the then underserved gaming market in the northeastern region of the United States.

At Foxwoods, Mike was part of the team that grew the first casino on the east coast outside of Atlantic City from its modest beginnings with 1,200 team members to more than 12,000 team members.

At Harrah’s Entertainment, Mike worked in Shreveport, Louisiana as part of the team that integrated the acquired Louisiana Downs horse race track with a new gaming floor, into the Harrah’s Shreveport gaming operation, adding a new slots casino to the Harrah’s Shreveport portfolio. Thereafter, as part of the acquisition of Caesars Entertainment by Harrah’s, Mike was part of the team that integrated the two companies into one.

Over the course of more than a decade, Mike played an integral leadership role in the successful development, opening, and operation of Mohegan Sun Pocono, Pennsylvania’s first casino and Mohegan Sun’s first commercial casino. As President of Mohegan Sun Pocono, Mike developed and executed an intricate company strategy, establishing a guest experience-centric organization while focusing on financial performance, leadership, and positive mentoring of team members. Originally an aged racetrack, Mohegan Sun Pocono became a dynamic casino and hotel operation including over 2,300 slot machines, 91 table games, 21 bars and restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and conventions with more than 2,000 team members.

Mike works closely with local business leaders and non-profit organizations, non-profit media organizations, and community college foundation boards.

Prior to Desert Diamond, Mike served as CEO of Saginaw Chippewa Gaming Enterprises, overseeing 3 locations with more than 2,800 team members, 4,200 slot machines, 64 table games, 664 hotel rooms, and 16 bars and restaurants. During his tenure, Mike led the team in developing and executing a strategy that positions the organization for long-term and sustained growth.

Mike has always worked closely with local business leaders and non-profit organizations. He has served on numerous boards of directors including chambers of commerce, the United Way, YMCA, Volunteers of America, non-profit media organizations, and community college foundation boards.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant College and a Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School.