A powerhouse group of UNLV Executive MBA alumni is overseeing and managing essential operating aspects of MGM Resorts International's newest $960 million property in Springfield, Massachusetts. From CFO to Guest Experience Director, this impressive collection of highly motivated and successful UNLV graduates talk about their EMBA experience and its effect on their professional development and career trajectory.

 

Under the leadership of UNLV EMBA graduates, MGM Springfield opened late August 2018. The new resort/casino is located in the heart of downtown Springfield, Mass. Covering three city blocks, the property is igniting a cultural and economic renaissance in this historic New England city. The approximately two million square-foot development features new construction combined with the revival of historic buildings and includes more than 125,000 square feet of gaming space, a 250-room boutique hotel, spa services, diverse retail and dining headlined by award-winning Chef Michael Mina's Cal Mare. MGM Springfield also features a seven-screen Regal luxury cinema complex, bowling lanes, a seasonal skating rink and outdoor marketplace displaying local art, events and talent.

 

UNLV Executive MBA Alumni

 

(Cohort 4 & 7 - 2009) Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - MGM Springfield 

One of the first members of the MGM Springfield executive team to be hired, Wenleder directs and oversees the strategic financial planning, operational performance and financial management of the new property. She began her UNLV EMBA experience with Cohort 4 during which time she was promoted to CFO of Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino, Biloxi, MS. Wenleder intended to commute from Biloxi to Las Vegas to complete her studies, but hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, severely limiting her time availability. When she received a promotion to New York - New York as VP of Finance/CFO, she completed the UNLV EMBA program as a member of Cohort 7.

 

(Cohort 4 - 2006) Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - MGM Resorts Regional Operations 

Twenty-three years ago, Perez began his MGM Resorts International career in accounts receivables/payables. Since 2008, he has served as Hotel Controller at Bellagio and Executive Director of Financial Projects at CityCenter. Since receiving his UNLV Executive MBA, Perez has held the positions of VP Finance & CFO at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, MS. He was promoted to his current role in 2014.

 

Since graduating from the UNLV EMBA program in 2012, Peters' career has been on the fast track with four promotions. Prior to accepting her current position as Vice President - Projects and Integrations, Peters served as Vice President of Finance - Regional Operations; Executive Director - Client Services and Executive Director Non-Gaming Audit and Accounting. From 2004 - 2011 she held the position of Property Services Director at CityCenter.

 

A 2016 graduate of the UNLV EMBA program, Muna has served as Director of Finance - Regional Operations since June 2018, a position to which he was promoted following 19 months as Director of Finance Project Development with Park MGM. Joining MGM Resorts International in 2002, Muna has held numerous corporate positions including Director - Business Relationship Management and Director of Finance - Analytics Services. Early in his MGM career, Muna was Director of Finance with CityCenter Residential and Senior Staff Accountant at Bellagio.

 

As Director of Guest Experience for MGM Springfield, Fyler is helping to create a culture that exemplifies the MGM experience. Fyler was promoted to his current position after serving as Front Services Manager with Circus Circus. Previously he held the position of Public Area Manager with Excalibur.