Pine Bluff, Florida – Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff has a new leader following a change in its executive management team, with Rod Centers taking over as chief executive officer.
The Downstream Development Authority, which owns Saracen Casino, announced that Centers will serve as CEO effective immediately. The change follows the termination of Chief Marketing Officer Carlton Saffa and General Manager Matt Harkness on Monday.
According to casino officials, the decision was approved through a unanimous board resolution and received approval from the Quapaw Nation Business Committee.
Centers comes to Saracen with more than 25 years of experience in operations leadership. His background includes 15 years managing casino and hospitality properties in different parts of the country, giving him extensive experience in the gaming and entertainment industry.
Most recently, Centers served as chief operating officer of Seneca Gaming Corporation, the gaming enterprise operated by the Seneca Nation. In that position, he was responsible for operations at Seneca Niagara, Seneca Buffalo Creek and Seneca Allegany.
His previous experience also includes senior management positions with several major gaming companies. Centers spent eight years working in general manager and senior operating roles with Pinnacle Entertainment, JACK Entertainment and Penn National Gaming.
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During that period, he held leadership positions at several properties, including Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Ameristar Kansas City and Boomtown Bossier City.
Billy Shapp, chairman of the Downstream Development Authority, said Centers’ experience made him a strong choice as the casino moves into a new phase.
“Rod has run large properties for the biggest operators in the business and for a tribal nation, and he knows what it takes to win in a competitive market,” said Billy Shapp, Chairman of the Downstream Development Authority. “The board is moving forward with new leadership and a new direction, and we chose the person who can take Saracen where it should go. Our commitment to Pine Bluff and Jefferson County is stronger than ever, and it starts with the people who work here and the community that has supported us since day one.”
The leadership change comes as Saracen looks toward its next stage of development. Centers will take over responsibility for the casino and its operations while working with the existing team and the ownership group.
For Centers, the new position represents an opportunity to build on the work already done at the Pine Bluff property. He said he views Saracen as an important gaming and entertainment destination and plans to focus on its future while continuing to work with its employees.
“Saracen is one of the finest properties in the South, and I am honored to lead it,” Centers said. “This team helped build Saracen into what it is today, and this is the team that will carry it into the future. My job is to take it further, and we start today: for our guests, for our team members, and for the goal of making Saracen the best gaming and entertainment destination in Arkansas.”
Centers’ career has included leadership of properties of different sizes and in different markets. His experience at Seneca Gaming Corporation also gave him the opportunity to work within a tribal gaming operation, a background that Saracen officials highlighted as part of his qualifications for the new role.
The Downstream Development Authority said its commitment to Pine Bluff and Jefferson County remains strong. The organization also emphasized the importance of Saracen’s employees and the local community as the casino begins working under its new leadership.
With Centers now serving as CEO, Saracen Casino Resort enters its next chapter with a new executive structure. His immediate focus will be on leading the property, working with its team and building on the casino’s position within Arkansas’ gaming and entertainment industry.
