Monarch Casino & Resort last week announced that Chief Operating Officer David Farahi plans to leave the company effective September 3 to pursue business interests outside the gaming and hospitality industry. Monarch also announced that Michelle Shriver has joined the company as corporate vice president of operations.
In her new role, Shriver will have primary responsibility for the operation of the newly expanded Monarch Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk, Colorado. Shriver has been a consultant to the company since April.
John Farahi, Monarch’s co-chairman and CEO, said, “On behalf of the board and our entire team, I want to thank David for his 14 years of significant contributions to Monarch, including nine years as chief operating officer. We appreciate David’s commitment and tireless efforts in managing operations during the construction and expansion of our resort in Black Hawk, Colorado, while also leading our Reno operations. David was also instrumental in securing the passage of Amendment 77 in November 2020, which has paved the way for unlimited wagers and a variety of new games for casinos in Colorado.”
David Farahi called his tenure “a tremendous privilege. I am incredibly proud of what our entire team has accomplished together and have every confidence in Monarch’s continued success.”
Of Shriver’s appointment, the CEO said, “Michelle has a track record of approximately 20 years in the gaming and hospitality industry. She has extensive experience developing a corporate strategy aimed at maximizing revenues and achieving market leadership. As a member of the executive management team of Ameristar Casinos, she was responsible for the operations of all eight of their regional casino resorts. Michelle also oversaw a significant expansion of Ameristar Casino Black Hawk and is very familiar with the Denver area market.”
Craig Pleva will continue to lead the management team in Black Hawk as general manager. He has been with the company for more than 16 years and has served as Black Hawk GM since July 2014.
“Prior to relocating to Denver, Craig gained significant marketing and operational experience at our Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno,” said John Farahi. “We are excited to have Craig and Michelle collaborate to further implement our overall operational strategies in our newly expanded Black Hawk resort.”
He said Monarch is “well positioned to pursue growth opportunities, having assembled a talented and experienced management team. Our balance sheet is among the best in the industry and our track record in operations gives us confidence in our ability to execute our strategic plan.”
