Black Oak Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians in Tuolumne, California, has promoted Ron Patel to chief executive officer and Aaron Moss to general manager. Also, Bradley Nelson has been hired as executive director of support services.
Previously, Patel has served as the property’s general manager since 2001. In 2005, he led the casino’s transition from a 22,500 square foot Class I facility to a 167,000 square foot Class III property which also features a non-gaming family entertainment floor—the only one of its kind among California casinos. Patel’s 33-year gaming career in commercial, charitable and Indian gaming has taken him from Great Britain to Canada and across the U.S. Since 2011, Patel has served as a consultant or in a senior management position for tribes in New York, Washington, Arizona and California.
Patel also leads the tribe’s and casino’s sponsorship and donation committee, which provides annual grants to community nonprofits, athletics, education and service organizations. Patel also serves as co-chairman for Meals on Wheels annual fundraiser and has also served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Sierra Repertory Theater and Sierra Senior Services
Moss joined Black Oak Casino in 2001 as public safety manager and also served as executive director of support services. He also worked as cellar supervisor for a large winery in the Modesto area.
Prior to joining Black Oak Casino as executive director of support services, Nelson was senior group leader for engineering and services at Target Corporation. He is a graduate of the United Air Force Academy and served nine years in the U. S. Air Force.
A casino spokesman stated, “The promotions reflect Black Oak Casino Resort’s commitment to maintaining a solid leadership team ideally positioned to deliver a consistently exceptional experience for all guests and partnership with the community.”
