SAHARA Las Vegas

I began my IT career in 1998, preparing for Y2K at a company in San Diego. After that, I transitioned into global data cleanup and data warehousing—where I first encountered the challenges of outdated systems and inconsistent data entry. That experience introduced me to project and program management, which quickly became my career path.

Over the years, I’ve led projects across diverse industries— automotive, banking, healthcare, tech, telecom, government and gaming—implementing and upgrading systems, including platforms like Salesforce. In 2017, I joined Caesars Entertainment in their table games vertical, marking my entry into the casino industry, which is traditionally hard to break into without prior gaming or hospitality experience.

When AI and tools like ChatGPT emerged, I leaned in. I took courses in prompt engineering to understand how these technologies might impact my role—and how I could leverage them. Today, I use AI daily to streamline my work and boost efficiency.

My move to SAHARA Las Vegas came through a former colleague. The opportunity to work in a more agile, less bureaucratic environment was appealing. As the sole project manager onsite, I enjoy the autonomy and the supportive leadership. It’s been a rewarding chapter in my career.

Embracing AI to Transform Project Management

At Caesars Entertainment, I led the enterprise-wide implementation of Bravo Pit and Poker systems—a project that was both technically demanding and operationally sensitive. It required coordination with regulatory bodies across multiple states and Tribal jurisdictions, each with its own compliance standards. Navigating those layers of approval was essential to keeping the project on track.

This wasn’t just a software deployment—it involved full hardware replacement. We had to remove and replace all the gaming tables to support the new system’s components. In many cases, the existing infrastructure couldn’t support the application, so we also had to rewire the table games floor. Each installation required temporarily taking down sections of the gaming floor, which meant coordinating closely with operations to shift patrons and minimize disruption.

Our team and the vendors moved table by table, installing hardware and software in real time while maintaining the guest experience. It was a high-stakes, high-visibility project that demanded precision, adaptability, and constant communication. The success of this rollout came from detailed planning, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep understanding of both the technology and the operational impact on the casino floor.

Executing Complex Casino Systems with Precision

AI and automation are already reshaping how we plan and execute projects. Tools like ChatGPT and predictive analytics are streamlining everything from documentation to decision-making. In hospitality, I see major impact from AI-driven guest personalization, smart property management systems, and integrated payment solutions. These technologies will demand faster project cycles and tighter integration across departments. Staying ahead means embracing these tools early and building teams that can adapt quickly.

One key lesson is that communication is everything—especially in guest-centric environments where downtime or delays can directly impact the customer experience. I’ve learned to over-communicate with stakeholders, set clear expectations, and always have a contingency plan. Flexibility is also critical. In hospitality, priorities can shift quickly, so being able to pivot without losing momentum is a must. Lastly, building trust with both technical teams and business leaders ensures smoother execution and better outcomes.

Start by learning the business—understand how operations, guest services, and technology intersect. Hospitality is fast-paced and guest-driven, so empathy and responsiveness go a long way. Gain experience with both Agile and Waterfall methodologies, and get comfortable managing cross-functional teams. Certifications help, but hands-on experience is the key. Also, don’t shy away from emerging tech—AI, IoT and mobile-first platforms are shaping the future of hospitality. Be curious, adaptable and always ready to learn.