NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.
MGM Resorts named industry veteran Melonie Johnson as the president and COO of MGM National Harbor. In this role, Johnson assumes the top leadership position at the Maryland entertainment and gaming resort.
Johnson will be responsible for developing strategic direction for the destination, overseeing operations of the 308-room hotel’s culinary, entertainment and convention programs, and its 4,000-member workforce.
“We are excited to have Melonie assume this new role,” said Anton Nikodemus, regional operations president and COO for MGM Resorts. “Her decades of leadership experience—along with her financial expertise and strategic thinking—will serve both our company and our community well as she takes the helm."
Johnson’s expansive career includes leadership positions at resorts throughout the United States. She has worked for MGM Resorts since 2015, serving most recently as president and COO of Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss. The Gold Strike Tunica operation achieved record performance under Johnson’s leadership, where she established a service-oriented culture and strategic long- and short-term business plans.
Johnson accepted the position previously held by Bill Boasberg, who was recently named president and COO of Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Miss. MGM Resorts noted that Boasberg played an integral part of the development of MGM National Harbor beginning in 2015, guiding the Maryland team through the resort’s successful 2016 grand opening and record-setting inaugural year. The resort has been an unparalleled addition to Maryland business community as one of the state’s highest contributors of tax revenue and consistently the largest contributor to Maryland’s Education Trust Fund, adding more than $140 million as of Nov. 1.
“MGM National Harbor’s emphasis from day one was to bring new opportunities and experiences to Prince George’s County,” Johnson said. “I am honored to have this opportunity to help craft the next chapter. With insights from the incredible MGM National Harbor team, I intend to continue our company’s commitment to our customers, our employees and our community. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with many new friends and neighbors to further build our business and our ongoing support of ... the entire region.”
Johnson will assume her new role at MGM National Harbor on Dec. 4.
