Grant Channing, president and general manager of the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, has decided to step down from his post to take over the position of vice president of hotel operations at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California.

"Something has to challenge me for me to go, and there were some challenges there that intrigued me to go," Channing told the Traverse City Record-Eagle. "The most difficult thing, frankly, was leaving here."

Channing headed the Grand Traverse casino for more than three years. Prior to joining the resort in 2006, he worked for New York's Turning Stone Resort. Channing told the Record-Eagle that his experience working for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians was a rewarding experience.

"They put the money in, they supported it and they're proud of it," Channing told the newspaper. "For the most part, anything I've accomplished is really due to the people here."

In a statement, Grand Traverse Band Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey said Channing's "knowledge of resort operations, understanding of the hospitality industry and strong support of tourism in the region and the state will be missed."

The tribe's Economic Development Corporation is going to begin searching for a new general manager, though there is no deadline to find a replacement, according to the Record-Eagle. Scott Chouinard, the property's assistant general manager and chief financial officer, will act as interim general manager.

By Staff