Jeffrey K. Watson, former president of the Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois, retired January 18 to become a judge in the Illinois 20th Judicial Circuit. Watson was selected by the circuit’s 12 elected circuit court judges. To fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Associate Judge Stephen Rice.
Julie Hauser, of the Hauser Group public relations firm, said, “The Casino Queen has a succession plan in place to help ensure a smooth transition in leadership. However, that plan requires approval from both the Illinois and Iowa gaming boards. Upon approval from both entities, we will have a formal announcement regarding the changes that will be going into effect for our leadership team in the wake of current President Jeff Watson’s appointment to Illinois 20th Judicial Circuit.”
Watson led a $170 million takeover of the Casino Queen in 2002 and is variously described as general manager, general counsel and president of CQ Holding Company Inc., Casino Queen, Inc. and Casino Queen Marquette in Iowa. His LinkedIn page states, “I have oversight of all corporate and operational departments including 750+ employees. In addition to the foregoing, I serve as Casino Queen’s general counsel
Both Watson personally and the Casino Queen have been generous contributors to the Democratic Party in St. Clair County and East St. Louis, and to individual candidates and committees.
Watson received his undergraduate degree in 1991 from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL and his Juris Doctor in 1994 from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL.
