The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has announced the hiring of Kurt W. Schmidt as Chief Financial Officer of Paragon Casino Resort. Schmidt will be responsible for the accounting and financial functions of the property.
Schmidt brings to Paragon over 35 years experience as a CPA and 25 years experience as a CFO. Schmidt has an MBA degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has served as the CFO or CEO for 6 different Native American tribal gaming organizations in the Midwest and Southwest.
Most recently Schmidt served as the Interim CEO for the San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona, overseeing all existing operations in addition to a project manager role for the construction of a brand new casino. Prior to Arizona, he served for 3 years as the gaming CEO for the Omaha Tribe of Iowa and Nebraska, where he again oversaw the construction of a new casino. While his CEO experience has significantly expanded his overall knowledge of gaming operations, Kurt says he is very happy to return to his CFO roots.
“This is an exciting time to join Paragon Casino Resort,” said Kurt Schmidt. “The refresh of our gaming floor along with a new marketing and branding campaign will plant the seed to grow the business and better serve our valued guests. I have been very impressed with both the friendliness and work ethic displayed by the staff here at Paragon. This is a team I’m really looking forward to working with.”
“We are proud to have Mr. Schmidt join and lead the finance efforts at Paragon Casino Resort,” said General Manager Michael Hamilton. “Kurt’s experience working in all aspects of tribal gaming along with his extensive background in improving both operational and financial efficiencies will be of great value to the resort, our team members, and ultimately our guests as well.”