Foxwoods names casino vet to new VP post

Mashantucket - Foxwoods Resort Casino announced Friday the appointment of Richard Emmons to a new position as vice president of engineering and projects.

Emmons, who comes to Foxwoods from Wynn Resorts in Macau, China, has previous experience in casino management at Harrah's Entertainment, Bally's and Hilton Hotels, among others. He will be in charge of capital expansion projects, along with overseeing facility maintenance, service repairs and renovations.

Dale Wolbrink, a casino spokeswoman, said Emmons would be overseeing improvements at Foxwoods over the next several years.

"With such a solid background in casino facility management, we are confident that Mr. Emmons will have an immediate and positive impact on our business," said Chris O'Connell, vice president of hotel operations at Foxwoods, in a statement.

A Marine Corp veteran, Emmons is seen as a "strategic visionary" and "hands-on manager" who has overseen a wide variety of projects in a career spanning more than three decades, according to Foxwoods.

"He has a diligent and organized manner about him and he doesn't stop until the job is done - and when complete the project is always on time and under budget," said Stuart B. Thomas, director of strategic sourcing and procurement at Harrah's, in a recommendation of Emmons posted on LinkedIn.

l.howard@theday.com