What happens in Vegas comes to Dubuque.
Nearly five months after former DRA and Q Casino + Resort President and CEO Alex Dixon announced he was stepping down to serve as CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas, the nonprofit license holder for Dubuque’s two casinos has drawn a new gaming industry leader from Las Vegas to serve at its helm.
Starting July 1, Anthony Williams will serve as the new president and CEO of DRA and Q Casino + Resort.
Williams currently serves as the senior vice president of operations strategy/QE development for MGM Resorts International, where his responsibilities include managing operational and capital budgets exceeding $800 million and overseeing the performance of 21 properties while leading a team of 2,100 employees nationwide, according to a DRA press release. He has previous work experience with Luxor Hotel & Casino and The Mirage as well.
Williams told the Telegraph Herald on Wednesday that he is excited about the duality of the role — managing the operations of the casino while also being involved in local philanthropy. Williams has served on the boards of numerous southern Nevada nonprofits.
For most of its 40-year history, DRA has collected funds from its affiliated gaming venues and split its annual distribution between the city of Dubuque and local nonprofits, which have received more than $240 million and over $60 million in that time, respectively. Money has also been directed to the state of Iowa, Dubuque County and relevant bond holders.
“As I … did my research on Dubuque, I found that DRA and Q Casino continue to stand behind the community,” Williams said.
As part of his interview process, Williams recently visited Dubuque and said he was struck by the smiling faces greeting him everywhere he went.
“Dubuque is a special place,” he said. “It was obvious that this is somewhere I wanted to plant my flag. Everyone was extremely friendly.”
Members of the DRA board executive committee who hired Williams said he had big shoes to fill. Dixon led the way on a $83 million remodel to the Q Casino + Resort campus and includes an already-completed casino remodel and the all-ages arcade facility Island Social, as well as the ongoing construction of a seven-story boutique hotel adjacent to the casino and construction of an outdoor amphitheater.
“The one thing we asked the candidates is: ‘How do you feel about following Babe Ruth?” said Rick Dickinson, executive committee member and president and CEO of Greater Dubuque Development Corp.
Executive committee member and Dubuque City Manager Mike Van Milligen said the field was “very competitive,” something he said spoke to the appeal of the position and the city.
“It’s nice to see how attractive this position was to people in the industry,” Van Milligen said.
Board members expressed confidence that Williams’ experience on the customer service end of the gaming industry, as well as overseeing continuous improvement projects, made him a good fit for all facets of his new role in Dubuque.
“We really liked Anthony’s blend (of experience),” said Mike Donohue, executive board member and CEO of Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging. “You can build (resorts), but you have to operate them.”
Board chair Lori Thielen said she anticipates Williams will become a prominent leader in the community, like his predecessor.
“We’ll use his skills and time to develop the property but also (to) engage at the city and state level to enhance tourism in Dubuque,” Thielen said.
Dickinson said he thinks Williams will be able to take DRA to the next level.
“I think we have a real winner,” he said.
Dixon, who knows Williams through their work in Las Vegas, recommended him for the role, Dickinson said.
As he prepares to move to Dubuque and transition into his new role, Williams said he is eager to work with DRA board members and other city leaders to continue the economic development of not only the resort, but the community as a whole.
“The foundation is there,” he said. “I think the sky’s the limit.”
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