Brent Willits

With nearly two decades of experience in the casino entertainment industry, Brent Willits currently leverages his skills to direct Zia Park Casino, where he serves as Vice President and General Manager. In these capacities, Mr. Willits oversees the marketing, finance, human resources, information technology (IT), and facilities departments, along with all casino and racing operations. Prior to joining the management team at New Mexico's second largest casino in 2009, Brent Willits acted as Senior Vice President and General Manager at Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He oversaw a large staff, which included two vice presidents, seven directors, and more than 30 managers, as well as more than 900 other employees. With more than 1,500 slot machines and nearly 40 table games, Ameristar Casino Hotel stands as one of the top three casinos in the state by revenue.

For more than a decade, Brent Willits held a variety of operations positions at a series of venues under the umbrella of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Willits lived in Bossier City, Louisiana, and oversaw Horseshoe, a casino hotel, first as Regional Vice President of Slots and then as Vice President of Operations. Brent Willits' other positions with Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., include Vice President of Casino Operations, Director of Slot Operations, and Director of Facility Operations, all held in connection with casinos operating in Illinois. Prior to embarking on a career in the casino industry, Mr. Willits acted as a steamboat captain of several different vessels on inland waters in Illinois and Iowa.

Nominated in four separate categories for the Harrah's Chairman's Award, Brent Willits has also held several civic positions, including serving as Director of both the Economic Development Corporation of Lea County and the Hobbs Chamber of Commerce.