Jesus Aviles, president of Dubuque, Iowa’s Q Casino and Hotel, has announced he will retire before the end of the year, to be replaced by Nevada native Alex Dixon. Dixon currently serves as the west region president at PureStar, a commercial laundry company whose clients include numerous Las Vegas hospitality businesses.
Dixon also served 11 years as a gaming executive, holding leadership roles at MGM and Caesars Entertainment.
“We’re very sad to know that Jesus is leaving,” said Kevin Lynch, chairman of the board of the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA). “I think everyone would agree Jesus has had a stellar career over his 14 years here and his 45 years in the gaming industry in total.”
Lynch said the board of the DRA, the nonprofit license holder for both Dubuque casinos, unanimously authorized an employment agreement with Dixon, who will earn an annual base salary of $450,000 per year, with a 35 percent bonus in his first year on the job.
“I think there is an appetite from the board and, hopefully, from the community and the city to fully leverage and unleash the full potential of the casino,” Dixon said.
Aviles joined Q Casino when it was named Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino. Under his leadership, Q Casino made major facility improvements, disassociated from the greyhound industry, purchased the Hilton Garden Inn hotel and enhanced entertainment offerings. He said, “I have been in the industry 45 years. That is a long time, and I felt like the timing was right to retire. It has been a good run.”
