Following a nationwide search, the Kewadin Gaming Authority has named Ron Olson as chief executive officer at Kewadin Casinos. A 25-year gaming industry veteran, Olson will oversee five Kewadin casinos owned and operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas and Hessel in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Olson has served more than 20 years in executive leadership positions in Native American gaming operations, from managing single-casino properties to casinos with hotels, golf courses and other amenities. For a decade, he was chief executive officer at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City and general manager of the Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey. Besides Michigan, Olson has been licensed by tribes in North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho and New Mexico.
Sault Tribe and Kewadin Gaming Authority Chairman Aaron Payment said, “We are thrilled to welcome Ron and his family back to Michigan and to the top executive post at our Kewadin Casinos. His national and Michigan gaming knowledge and experience will help solidify Kewadin Casinos as the premier gaming destinations in the U.P. for residents and visitors alike.”
