The Cordish Companies announced two key executive appointments to Cordish Gaming Group, the company’s gaming division. Bill Mikus will assume the role of senior vice president of human resources and Edward Evans has been named director of diversity, equity & inclusion.
In their new roles with the company, Mikus and Evans will work together to lead team building and employee engagement strategies for the Live! Casino brand, which is poised for significant growth following The Cordish Companies’ recently completed strategic partnership with Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc.
The Cordish Companies has developed some of the most successful casino entertainment resorts in the United States, including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino properties in Hollywood and Tampa, Florida, and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland. Last year, the company expanded its Live! Casino brand into Pennsylvania with two new properties—Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia in the heart of the Philadelphia Stadium District, and Live! Casino Pittsburgh near Pittsburgh.
As Cordish Gaming Group explores and activates new ventures in iGaming and sports betting, along with additional properties in new jurisdictions, the organization is focused on building and nurturing a powerful and diverse team to maximize its opportunities.
“As Live! Casino continues to grow, we are building a team that shares our dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences and will push us in new directions,” said Rob Norton, president of Cordish Gaming Group. “I can’t think of a more exciting time to double down on our HR and DEI missions for the future, or of more valued team members than Bill and Ed to guide us.”
In his new role, Mikus will plan and organize all human resources functions, including team member engagement strategies, leadership development, succession planning and enterprise diversity and inclusion alignment, for Cordish Gaming Group’s Live! Casino properties. He will also assist in the balance of partnerships between property HR leaders and management, while executing property-wide programs and practices.
“The growth of Cordish Gaming Group is changing the competitive landscape of our industry, and I’m looking forward to continuing to build a team that reflects the excellence of our brand,” said Mikus.
Mikus most recently served as vice president of human resources for Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia and Live! Casino Pittsburgh. His more than two decades in the hospitality industry include roles at Caesars Entertainment properties in Atlantic City and Valley Forge Casino Resort in suburban Philadelphia. Mikus currently serves as the board chair for the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Evans will lead the development and implementation of proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to drive Cordish Gaming Group’s strategic plan to create a learning and work environment where everyone can succeed. He will develop and promote programs that involve team members at all levels to further behaviors, attitudes and policies that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Evans will also serve as the lead representative for external community relations, working with local and regional stakeholders in all markets to promote Cordish Gaming Group’s DEI mission.
“The evolution of my career with The Cordish Companies and the Live! brand has led me to this role, where I have a real opportunity to ensure our team reflects the communities where we operate and our team members can bring their full authentic selves to work every time they walk through our doors,” Evans said.
A native of Baltimore, Evans joined the Live! team nearly a decade ago as director of culinary operations, later transitioning his focus to leading the charge on MBE, WMBE and other minority vendor relationships along with legislative and regulatory priorities. He is an active supporter of numerous local groups.
