Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana recently named Kathan (Kit) Musgrove director of Convention Services and James A. Shields executive chef.
Musgrove brings 20 years of management and corporate sales experience to his new position. Most recently, he was director of sales for SB Yen Management in Chicago, owners of the White Hall Hotel and Best Western University Plaza, overseeing daily operations of the convention, sales and catering departments. In addition, he was president and a board member of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, Gulf South Chapter. Musgrove studied Business Management at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Paragon Executive Vice President and General Manager Michael J. Frawley said, “Kit is aggressive and service-oriented. We look forward to working with him.” Noted Musgrove, “Paragon has more than a million square feet of convention and gaming entertainment space. It’s the perfect solution for meeting planners and convention-goers alike. I’m excited to be at Paragon, and I know I can make a difference.”
Shields returns to Paragon after a three-year absence. A top graduate and leader of the culinary team at the Culinary Institute of America, Shields was executive chef at several large New Orleans-area properties. In addition, he was a chef at Jena Choctaw Pines Casino and executive chef at Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He previously served as executive chef at Paragon from 2009-2011.
Noted Frawley, “Bringing Chef Shields back to Paragon signals the beginning of many changes we’re making to enhance our guests’ experiences. There’s much more to come.” Said Shields, a certified ice sculptor, ”I’m happy to be back at Paragon. We have many wonderful plans for the dining options at the resort, and I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for the culinary industry with our guests.”
