Ken Carnahan
KEN CARNAHAN
32 years in the Gaming Industry
In today's competitive world, the best way to ensure organizational success is to satisfy the customer. Customers want responsiveness, low cost and high quality. If a company does not meet or exceed the customers' needs, the competition will. It is no longer enough for the team to simply “embrace change”. Continuous improvement must become a way of doing business, where people actively seek improvements and where systems and processes support and drive initiative. Trust is the key to success, the work environment must be such that people work within a culture that encourages pride in both personal and organizational accomplishments.
I am a problem solver, mentor and tactful moderator. I encourage and support others through controversial issues. I am decisive and always meet or exceed established objectives. I am committed to promoting efficiency, quality and excellent customer service. I am effective at building and nurturing professional relationships
ABOUT KEN
Getting it Done
Technically sophisticated and business-savvy management professional with a career track reflecting strong leadership qualifications coupled with “hands-on” gaming operations expertise.
Able to maintain focus on achieving bottom-line results while formulating and implementing advanced technology and business solutions to meet a diversity of needs. Skilled in identifying/capitalizing on new revenue opportunities.
Exceptional project management, oral/written communication, interpersonal, analytical, organizational, technical, administrative, problem solving, and leadership skills. Highly developed strategic planning, financial, project management and staff development skills needed to accelerate expansion, drive revenue growth.
Continual learner, able to grasp new ideas, concepts, methods and technologies. Results-oriented leader with an ability to think out of the box. Proven history of strategic and financial planning and project management. Expertise in operational efficiencies, customer service advocacy, product marketing and creative solutions.Strong technical skill set with the ability to rapidly assimilate new information, continual learner - able to grasp new concepts.
AGM - The Point Casino & Hotel
2016 - Current
Recruited to develop talent and organization to heavily local casino in a highly competitive market. Focus on developing leadership skills, bringing new technology to bear on highly manual processes and revamp and update product offerings. Preparation for new development and expansion under consideration
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GAMING OPERATIONS - Table Mountain Casino
2013 - 2016
Executive Director of Gaming Operations recruited to revitalize a very mature and well established casino. 2,028 machines utilizing IGT Advantage, 40 Table Games, 10 Poker tables and 650-seat Bingo operation. Responsible for all aspects of Gaming Operations including staffing, product, P&L and budgets. Additional plans for further casino expansion in progress to add additional food and hotel venues. Multiple technologies added: Slot Focus, Viz Explorer, KAI, Tableau, Player Soft products.
DIRECTOR OF SLOT OPERATIONS - Kansas Star Casino, Hotel & Arena
2012 - 2013
Director of Slot Operations recruited for a new 1,311machine casino. Expanded to 1,411 and then 1,852 machines, added hotel, and event venue. Responsible for all aspects of Slot Operations including staffing, product, P&L and budgets. Managed 16 direct reports and 125 indirect reports. Technologies brought to bear: Oasis, IRIS, Player Soft products.
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT STRATEGY - Aristocrat Technologies International
2009 - 2012
Director of Product Strategy for United States Gaming Operations. Responsible for defining, development direction, packaging, commercialization and deployment of new slot products and new technologies. Recruited to bring operational knowledge to the manufacturing of new and innovative products, determine pricing strategies, performance expectations, analytical models and perspective to product value.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SLOT PERFORMANCE - Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
2006 -2009
Executive Director of Slot Performance for both Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians properties. Responsible for maximizing slot revenue for ACBCI Casino properties through slot product purchases, placement, conversions, and analysis, ensure that slot operations are consistent between properties and that company slot standards of service are in place and adhered to company-wide. Underwent a 344 room hotel and addition of 900 units during the casino expansion. P&L, labor and capital expense budget responsibility.
SLOT PERFORMANCE MANAGER - Pala Casino & Hotel
2001 - 2006
Slot Performance Manager recruited to lead casino business strategies, operations, and profit performance for this start-up 80,000 sq. ft. technology-driven 2,250 slot machine casino operation. P&L, labor and capital expense budget responsibility. Manage 23 direct reports and indirect staff of 60.
SLOT PERFORMANCE MANAGER - Harrah's East Chicago Casino & Hotel
2000 - 2001
Slot Performance Manager recruited to oversee daily operations, introduce performance strategies, provide analysis for one of the industry’s leading gaming corporations. Managed team of 26, performance budget responsibilities.
SLOT PERFORMANCE MANAGER - Blue Chip Casino & Hotel
1997 - 2000
Slot Performance Manager recruited to perform a new casino opening of a fresh built river boat. Managed a team of 16 technicians, installed, tested and opened 1,199 slot machines. installed data lines for new IGT casino system. Managed daily operations including inventory, training, customer interactions, interviewing and hiring staff. Ensured compliance with all company and department policies.
SLOT TECHNICIAN SUPERVISOR - Showboat East Chicago
1996 - 1997
Slot Technician Supervisor for a shift of technicians to install, maintain and repair 1,800 slot machines for customers. Including new installations, repair, game conversions. Managed scheduling for department and parts inventory.
SLOT TECHNICIAN SUPERVISOR - Empress Casino
1992 - 1996
Slot Technician Supervisor for the company's third casino installation. Including installation of 1,500 slot machines and IGT casino system. Installation was from the ground up including building the repair shop, placing original parts order, inventory, scheduling of 18 technicians. During tenure assisted in training new staff, repairing slot machines, moving, converting and installing slot machines.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Unix/Linux System Administration, Computer Information Management, Hospitality Management, Digital Marketing, Data Visualization & Modeling, Network Management
SENIOR MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
Strategic & Tactical Planning, Team Development & Leadership, Resource Planning and Management, Organizational Development
EXTRA INFO
I have many hobbies that include my parrots and motorcycling. I am also a licensed HAM radio operator and hold my FAA part 107 remote pilot license.