Fontainebleau Las Vegas has appointed two key executives to its leadership team in advance of its December 13, 2023 grand opening, pending regulatory approvals.
John Helderman, a 25-year veteran of the gaming, finance, and accounting industries, has been named chief financial officer of the resort. Stacie Michaels has been elevated from general counsel to chief administrative officer, expanding her scope within the organization to include all legal, risk management, internal audit, compliance and workers compensation functions.
“As we near our global debut, we are developing a successful culture under the guidance and perspective of seasoned leaders in gaming and beyond,” said Fontainebleau Las Vegas President Mark Tricano. “John and Stacie bring invaluable expertise to our resort. They have a critical understanding of the Las Vegas market, the leadership and business acumen that this industry covets, and a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in the Fontainebleau tradition.”
Helderman most recently served as chief financial officer for Las Vegas-based financial services operator The Brennan Entities, and he held a similar role for slot company Bluberi Gaming. He has also served as vice president of finance for multiple Las Vegas Strip resorts, and he held the titles of president and chief executive officer when he led a turnaround of the nonprofit Goodwill of Southern Nevada. He currently serves on the board of Goodwill and is a graduate of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2022.
Michaels joined Fontainebleau Las Vegas in 2022 following more than a decade serving in multiple roles – senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary – in the Las Vegas gaming and hospitality industries. A graduate of New York Law School, Michaels was named one of Vegas Inc.’s “40 Under 40” in 2017 and serves on the board of trustees for Discovery Children’s Museum and the Meadows School.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas resides on nearly 25 acres adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center District on the Las Vegas Strip. The property, acquired in 2021 by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments, will be solely operated by Fontainebleau Development upon its opening.
