William “Sonny” Johnson recently was named president and chief executive officer at Pearl River Resort in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he will continue to oversee day-to-day operations for all resort properties.
Johnson has filled the position in an interim capacity since 2015.
Tribal Chief Phyliss J. Anderson, who also serves as Choctaw Resort Development Board chairman, said, “We are very pleased to offer Sonny this position because of our confidence in his leadership, commitment to our brand, extensive experience and forward-looking approach to operations. Under his leadership we have seen great growth at our casinos and resort properties. He has been a force for positive development with our resort associates and is highly respected among our management team.”
Under Johnson’s leadership as interim president and chief executive officer, table games were introduced at Bok Homa Casino; sports books opened at Bok Homa Casino and the Pearl River Resort; the infinity pool at Golden Moon was renovated; the Players Club was reintroduced; and Stogies & Bogeys was opened, among other accomplishments.
Johnson joined Pearl River in August 2012 as vice president of casino operations. Prior to that, he was vice president of gaming operations at the Golden Nugget Casino. He also served as vice president of gaming operations at Turning Stone Resort and Casino; director of table games at Gold Strike Casino and Resort; and director of table games at Beau Rivage. Johnson also held several management positions during his 20-year career at the Mirage organization.
