Accomplished Sales Executive to Drive Mohegan Sun’s Comprehensive MICE Operations and Marketing Strategy
Kimberly Simone has been named by Mohegan Sun as the new VP of Sales & Marketing. Simone, who joined Mohegan Sun in 2023 as Director of Sales, brings nearly two decades of expertise in marketing and comprehensive sales within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. In her new role, Simone will spearhead and oversee strategic initiatives for the expansive Earth Expo & Convention Center, the Sky Convention Center, and various other venues across Mohegan Sun and the nearby Mohegan Sun Golf Club.
“Kim Simone has demonstrated exceptional insight into market trends, and will now have a well-deserved promotion to VP as she oversees the impressive, large-scale and diverse sales and marketing strategy for Mohegan Sun’s Meetings & Conventions,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the Executive team. Her leadership, expertise and dedication in delivering exceptional experiences for our meeting planners, major groups, and guests is a tremendous asset to Mohegan Sun.”
Since joining Mohegan Sun in September 2023, Simone has played a key role in driving growth to Mohegan Sun’s convention sales and property-wide hospitality. In her new role, Kim will continue to lead Mohegan Sun’s Convention Sales team, focusing on booking the world-class venues like the Earth Expo & Convention Center. This venue is home to the 125,000 square foot Earth Expo Center, which is set to host big-time shows this spring & summer such as the Wicked Gluten Free Expo on March 29th; the New England Tattoo Expo from April 11th – 13th; the New England Spring Craft Festival on May 10th – 11th; the CT Pickle Festival on July 25th and the return of TerrifiCon from August 8th-10th.
Simone is also a graduate of Bryant College in Smithfield, RI, and the Walt Disney World College Program in Orlando, Florda. She sat on the board for the CT River Valley chapter of MPI (Meeting Professionals International) as the Vice President of Membership and the Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Simone was also a member of the New York and New England chapters of PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) and served as a member of the Greater New York Chapter of HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International). Simone also sits on the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau Board of Directors. Previous conventions & sales experience include the Director of Sales at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Old Saybrook, CT as well as the Director of Resort Sales at Foxwoods Casino Resort from 2019 to 2021. Prior to this role, Simone was the National Sales Manager for the resort, strategically managing sales operations while tracking and analyzing data to strengthen forward-looking strategy.
In addition to Mohegan Sun’s two large-scale convention centers, various venues across the 5.5 million square-foot entertainment destination can host major conferences, private parties, meetings and conventions and that includes Mohegan Sun Arena, Comix Roadhouse, the Cabaret Theatre, TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge, novelle, Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook, Vista Lounge at Wombi Rock and unique outdoor event spaces like the new and improved Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun. For more information on all things Meetings & Conventions at Mohegan Sun, visit meetings.mohegansun.com
Kimberly Simone currently resides in Mystic, CT.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
WHAT: Mohegan Sun Golf Club is getting ready for the 2025 season and looking to fill various positions at a hiring event on Thursday, March 20th.
WHEN/WHERE: Thursday, March 20th
10:00am – 4:00pm
Mohegan Sun Golf Club
IN DETAIL: Mohegan Sun Golf Club, located at 7 Dows Lane in Baltic, CT, is looking for candidates for both full-time and seasonal roles. Current available positions include full-time and seasonal cooks (including a full-time master cook position), food servers, shop clerks, bag room club car attendants, groundskeepers and a seasonal office coordinator. Those interested in working at one of the top golf destinations New England has to offer are encouraged to attend the hiring event on Thursday, March 20th from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
“Our hard-working staff is what allowed us to be recently recognized as one of the “Top 50 Casino Golf Courses” by Golfweek,” said Philip Krick Jr., PGA Master Professional and VP & General Manager of Mohegan Sun Golf Club. “We take pride in delivering exceptional customer service which is shown by the food we serve, the interactions we have, and the grounds our guests play on. I look forward to meeting those who are interested in joining this top-notch team.”
Guests interested in applying can visit the Mohegan Sun careers website.
Mary Wren, a 20+ year Team Member and Chris Greaney, a 10-year Team Member, Appointed to Vice President roles
UNCASVILLE, CT (February 24, 2025) – Mohegan Sun is excited to announce the promotions of Mary Wren to Vice President of Hotel Operations and Chris Greaney to Vice President of Food & Beverage. Both Wren and Greaney have enjoyed long and impactful careers at Mohegan Sun, bringing immense value, leadership and talent to their new executive positions.
“Mohegan Sun is home to one of the busiest hotels in the region in addition to being a world-class destination for exceptional dining experiences and the success we’ve seen in both of these categories isn’t possible without the expertise and drive by leaders like Mary and Chris!” -Said Jeff Hamilton, President & GM of Mohegan Sun. “I am excited for their next chapter and very much look forward to working with them as we continue to deliver unmatched service and lasting memories for our guests.”
Mary Wren started in 2002 with Mohegan Sun’s very first hotel team, helping to welcome guests for their first overnight stays at Sky Tower. Her career in hotel operations grew from there as Wren became Front Office Manager, Hotel Manager and Director of Operations before her latest promotion to VP of Hotel Operations. Wren also played an integral role in launching Mohegan Pennsylvania’s first hotel in 2013 and was a major player in the opening Mohegan Sun’s second hotel tower, Earth Tower, in 2016. As VP of Hotel Operations, Wren will oversee hotel operations and lead strategic planning for the overall hotel team at Mohegan Sun, in addition to leading the Environmental Services (EVS) team.
Chris Greaney began his career at Mohegan Sun in 2014 as the Service Manager at Bar American and from there, he became Operations Manager at Todd English’s Tuscany shortly before being named Director of Fine Dining for Mohegan Sun. As the VP of F&B, Greaney will oversee all areas of Mohegan Sun’s owned or managed restaurant, lounge and nightlife offerings. This includes guiding operations and top-notch guest service for a variety of eateries and fine dining attractions across Mohegan Sun, including the likes of: TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge, novelle, Todd English’s Tuscany, Sunrise Square Food Court, Thirty-Three Lounge, The Crafty Slice and the all-new Beauty & Essex. Greaney played a key role in recent Mohegan Sun beverage partnerships with regional brands like Waypoint Spirits, Downeast Cider and Two Roads Brewing Company – which produced the popular Jackpot Juice Hazy IPA.
Chris Greaney resides in Mystic with his wife and two children and studied Civil Engineering at UConn prior transitioning into Hospitality, starting his gourmet career with Tom Colicchios Craftsteak.
Mary Wren is a graduate of UConn (School of Business) and currently resides in Waterford with her two children and their family dog, Charley.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
UNCASVILLE, CT (January 13, 2025) – Premier integrated entertainment destination Mohegan Sun is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Vogelei as Vice President of Gaming. In this position, Vogelei will provide strategic vision, oversight, and alignment of gaming operations, in collaboration with Mohegan Sun’s gaming leadership team.
“Doug’s vast knowledge in gaming operations and ability to inspire large teams makes him a perfect fit for this role,” said Jeff Hamilton, President & General Manager at Mohegan Sun. “We’re confident that his expertise makes him an impactful addition to our leadership team, and we look forward to seeing him continue to enhance the overall gaming experience for our guests at Mohegan Sun.”
Vogelei joins Mohegan Sun as a seasoned leader in the hospitality and gaming industry, with a career of strategic and tactical experience spanning over 30 years. Most recently, he held the position of Senior Vice President of Casino Operations at Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon, CA from March 2020 to December 2024, where he directed financial and operational strategies across various gaming sectors. Vogelei also held key roles at Venetian Casino & Resorts in Las Vegas, NV, where he worked for over 20 years. During his tenure with the Venetian, Vogelei advanced through the gaming division, ultimately overseeing table games, slots, and poker.
Doug Vogelei holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport. He served as a board member for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) San Diego Chapter.
Doug currently lives in Old Saybrook, CT with his wife, Mary.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
UNCASVILLE, CT (October 10, 2024) – The Shed Restaurant, officially opened on Wednesday, October 9th in Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Earth, across from Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. This new offering is the brainchild of co-founders John Tunney & John Rieger from BALLO Italian Restaurant.
“Over the last few years, we’ve been working really hard to grow our non-gaming business throughout our property with new restaurants and creating immersive dining experiences,” said Jeff Hamilton, president and general manager of Mohegan Sun. “I believe when The Shed opens, people are going to want to come here to visit The Shed, not come to Mohegan Sun and eat there because they happen to be here. As we choose food & beverage operators and as we open new restaurants that is always our goal – to put a great restaurant inside of a great property.”
“We spent time in Long Island at the other Shed Restaurant locations and we got really excited about how they deliver food that is comfortable and casual, but they do it with the same quality we’ve all come to love from BALLO. When we think about great service and tenant operations, BALLO is always top of mind. They’ve really become a staple at Mohegan Sun, and we’re excited to watch The Shed do this as well.”
“It’s a real honor for us to open another restaurant here at Mohegan Sun,” said John Tunney, co-founder of The Shed Restaurant. “We’ve been here with BALLO for about 15 years, and we have the privilege of operating inside of a property that is really second to none. We’d like to thank the Mohegan Tribal Council, Mohegan Sun’s executive team, the engineering team, the retail leasing department, and every other department we have worked with – it has been a harmonious experience. We enjoy the like-mindedness between our businesses and this jewel of a company. We’ve wanted to build a second restaurant for a long time, and we’re happy that day is finally here.”
The Shed Restaurant has created more than 100 new jobs, including a culinary team led by Chef Roberto Baez. Chef Roberto’s menu offers a bright take on American comfort food and features a robust list of specialty brunch, lunch and dinner menu items — from the indulgent to the healthful – with the full menu available all day. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available, and many menu items can be customized to be a vegan dish, making The Shed Restaurant the only restaurant at the property to offer vegan dining. The Shed’s enticing brunch, lunch & dinner menus are only made better by the ultra-friendly team and rustic beach-chic ambiance that incorporates warm textured woods, pops of color and intriguing works of art.
Local contractors involved in the project include electric work by Native Sons Ltd., based in Plainville, CT and interior design and architecture completed by id3a, based in Glastonbury, CT.
The Shed is an 8,785 square-foot space, complete with a 2,150 square-foot dining area, and a 3,150 square-foot scratch kitchen plus walk-in units. The space seats 205 guests, including 11 seats at a full bar. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis with the ability to join a text-based waitlist at the door.
The Shed Restaurant was established in 2017, and the Mohegan Sun location joins sister locations in Huntington, NY, West Sayville, NY, Plainview, NY and Westbury, NY. For more information about The Shed Restaurant and other dining offerings at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com/dining.
Photos from yesterday’s ribbon cutting ceremony are available here.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
Mohegan Ranked 77 Among 100 Global Companies Recognized forTeam Member Sentiment and Satisfaction
Newsweek published its annual rankings for the Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list, with Mohegan ranked 77. This is the second annual Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list in collaboration with the Best Practice Institute (BPI), a leadership development and benchmark research company.
The results were determined after surveying more than two million team members from businesses with workforces varying in size from 30 to over 10,000. The list recognizes companies that center respect, caring and appreciation for their employees in their business models and, in doing so, have earned the loyalty of their employees.
“At Mohegan, we relentlessly focus on creating a dynamic and inclusive environment where our team members feel valued and motivated,” said Patricia Smith, Mohegan’s Chief People Officer. “This accolade highlights the unwavering commitment and passion our team members bring every day. Following the successful opening of the INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in Korea, we’re excited to expand our global family. This award is a testament to our ongoing efforts to build a supportive and thriving workplace culture.”
The five critical areas measured to gauge employee sentiment were how positive workers feel about their future at the company, career achievement, how much employer values align with employee values, respect at all levels and the level of collaboration at the firm. In addition, areas such as inclusion, employee wellness, diversity, career development and company leadership were identified and analyzed in relation to the five critical areas measured.
“It is a great privilege for Mohegan to be recognized in Newsweek’s Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces, now ranked at 77,” said Ray Pineault, President and CEO of Mohegan. “This recognition underscores our dedication to fostering a positive and engaging workplace. At Mohegan, the Spirit of Aquai drives our approach to creating an empowering environment for all team members, and I am proud of our journey and the culture of excellence and innovation we’ve cultivated. Being included among the top companies globally reinforces our commitment to our values and our vision for the future.”
“As workplaces continue to shift, it’s clearer than ever that fostering collaboration, embracing a positive outlook, and aligning values are essential,” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek. “The companies celebrated on the 2024 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list truly embody these principles. They show us that by championing respect and team-oriented outcomes, they’re not just building great workplaces, they’re shaping a brighter future for all.”
“I started Most Loved Workplaces out of inspiration from my community of people who consciously place love for their employees at the center of their business model,” said Louis Carter, Founder and CEO of BPI and a social/organizational psychologist, thought leader, entrepreneur and author.
Carter’s book, “In Great Company: How to Spark Peak Performance by Creating an Emotionally Connected Workplace,” identifies the specific areas needed to become a highly respected, reputable organization where people love to work with each other – a Most Loved Workplace.
BPI measures five primary areas to determine how employees feel about where they work to create the Most Loved Workplaces® list: the level of collaboration at the workplace, how positive workers are about their future at the company, how much employer values align with employee values; respect at all levels and career achievement. In consultation with Newsweek editors, BPI also considered employee wellness, diversity, inclusion, career advancement, and other workplace and talent development initiatives.
To identify the top 100 companies ranked in this Newsweek publication, companies were evaluated and scored as follows: 50 percent of the initial score was based on direct employee responses to BPI’s proprietary Love of Workplace Index® assessment. Another 15 percent was derived from analysis of external public ratings from sites such as Comparably, Careerbliss, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Google. The final 35 percent came from BPI’s direct interviews and written responses from company officials. Newsweek then researched every company on the list to determine the final list of 100 companies and their rankings.
About Newsweek
Newsweek is the modern global digital news organization built around the iconic, over 85-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people each month with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia.
About Best Practice Institute
Best Practice Institute is an award-winning leadership and organization development center, benchmark research company, think tank, and solutions provider. BPI is the certifying body for Most Loved Workplace® and conducted the original research to create the model and criteria for becoming a Most Loved Workplace®. BPI’s research proves that Most Loved Workplaces® produce 3-4 times better customer service, employee performance, and retention than companies not loved by their employees.
