Snoqualmie Casino, located in Washington State, is currently undergoing a transformative $400 million expansion, and as part of this, several leadership changes have been announced to steer the organization through this pivotal growth period. The casino, a premier gaming destination in the region, has unveiled its strategic vision to broaden its services, including a new hotel, an expanded gaming area, and enhanced hospitality offerings. These initiatives will be under the leadership of a new executive team, designed to align with the company’s long-term growth strategy.
The leadership transition includes the promotion of Mary Lou Patterson from Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Alongside Patterson’s new role, Daniel Hanson, formerly the Director of the Snoqualmie Gaming Commission, has stepped into the role of CFO. Additionally, the casino has onboarded Asim Bajwa, a seasoned hospitality executive, to lead hotel operations, an area central to the casino’s expansion.
A Leadership Team Ready to Guide Through Major Expansion
As Snoqualmie Casino enters a significant phase of expansion, the need for seasoned and innovative leadership is critical. The recent appointments are not just about filling vacancies but positioning the organization for success in an increasingly competitive market.
Mary Lou Patterson – Interim Chief Executive Officer
Mary Lou Patterson’s promotion to Interim CEO reflects her extensive financial acumen and deep understanding of Snoqualmie Casino’s operations. Having joined the company in 2016, Patterson was elevated to CFO in 2019, a role where she successfully managed the casino’s financial health and helped drive strategic planning initiatives. Her leadership in financial management and planning makes her well-suited to oversee the organization during this period of significant investment and change.
Patterson expressed her excitement about taking on the new role, stating, “I am so honored and excited to start this new chapter with the Snoqualmie Casino team. The support from the Snoqualmie Team Members and Snoqualmie Tribe has been truly priceless, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”
Under her interim leadership, Patterson is expected to maintain a strong focus on both the casino’s day-to-day operations and the long-term goals associated with the expansion project.
Daniel Hanson – Chief Financial Officer
Daniel Hanson, who has transitioned into the role of CFO, is no stranger to tribal gaming leadership. Hanson’s previous experience includes serving as the Executive Director of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Gaming Agency, and more recently, as the Executive Director of the Snoqualmie Gaming Commission, a regulatory body overseeing the casino’s gaming operations. His extensive background in tribal gaming governance and regulatory compliance makes him an invaluable asset to the financial leadership of the casino, particularly as it expands into new business ventures.
Hanson’s focus will likely be on managing the financial aspects of the expansion, including budgeting, capital allocation, and ensuring that the ambitious $400 million investment yields a strong return for the casino and its stakeholders.
Asim Bajwa – Head of Hotel Operations
The expansion project includes the addition of a brand-new hotel, and to oversee this critical component, Snoqualmie Casino has appointed Asim Bajwa to lead its hotel operations. Bajwa brings with him significant experience from Caesars Palace, one of the most iconic names in the global hospitality and gaming industry. His background in hospitality management is expected to play a pivotal role in elevating the guest experience and ensuring that the hotel becomes a key revenue driver for the casino.
Bajwa’s expertise will be crucial as the casino expands its footprint into the luxury hospitality market. With the hotel opening as part of the expansion, his role will focus on developing service offerings, ensuring operational excellence, and creating a seamless integration between the gaming and hospitality sides of the business.
The $400 Million Expansion Project: What’s in Store?
Snoqualmie Casino’s expansion project, announced in July 2022, represents a bold vision for the future. The $400 million development plan includes a wide range of enhancements and additions designed to transform the property into a comprehensive entertainment and leisure destination. The expansion is not just about size—it’s about significantly upgrading the guest experience and offering more diverse amenities that appeal to a broad spectrum of visitors.
A New Hotel to Attract High-End Guests
One of the centerpiece additions in the expansion is a new luxury hotel. This marks Snoqualmie Casino’s entry into the hospitality industry, an area in which Asim Bajwa’s leadership will be instrumental. The hotel will cater to a diverse clientele, including high-rollers, tourists, and business travelers. The addition of a hotel is expected to extend the average length of stay for casino guests, thus increasing revenue per visitor.
With Washington’s growing tourism sector, particularly in outdoor recreation and cultural experiences, the hotel will provide a much-needed accommodation option for those looking to explore the region while enjoying world-class gaming and entertainment services.
Expanded Gaming Floor
The expansion also includes a significant increase in the size of the casino’s gaming floor. This will allow Snoqualmie Casino to offer more gaming options, including new table games, slot machines, and poker rooms. As competition in the gaming industry continues to heat up, offering more variety in games is essential for attracting both new players and retaining existing customers.
The expanded gaming floor will likely include new technology and gaming systems that appeal to younger, tech-savvy customers, positioning Snoqualmie Casino as a leader in the adoption of cutting-edge gaming solutions.
A 2,000-Seat Entertainment and Convention Center
The addition of a 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center is a key part of the casino’s broader strategy to diversify its offerings beyond just gaming. The entertainment venue will allow Snoqualmie Casino to host concerts, shows, and conventions, attracting a wider array of guests and opening up new revenue streams. The convention center will also position the casino as a destination for corporate events, weddings, and large gatherings.
This move capitalizes on the growing trend of casinos evolving into multi-purpose entertainment hubs, providing visitors with a complete experience that includes gaming, dining, and live events.
New Dining Experiences
In addition to the entertainment and gaming offerings, Snoqualmie Casino will also be expanding its culinary options with two new restaurants and a third in the works. This will include a mix of casual and fine dining experiences, appealing to a variety of tastes and preferences. As part of the broader trend in casinos offering elevated food and beverage services, these new dining options will be integral to attracting a more affluent clientele and providing guests with a well-rounded experience.
Additional Parking and Infrastructure Improvements
To accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors, Snoqualmie Casino is also investing in additional parking and other infrastructure improvements. This will ensure that the property can handle larger crowds, especially as it becomes a more popular destination for events and entertainment.
Leadership and Expansion: A Balanced Strategy for Growth
The leadership changes at Snoqualmie Casino come at a crucial time, as the organization prepares for significant growth. Mary Lou Patterson’s promotion to interim CEO, alongside the appointment of Daniel Hanson as CFO and Asim Bajwa as Head of Hotel Operations, forms a leadership team with the expertise and vision to guide the casino through this transformative period.
With the $400 million expansion, the casino is positioning itself as not only a gaming destination but a comprehensive entertainment and hospitality hub. This move reflects broader trends in the gaming industry, where properties are increasingly diversifying their offerings to appeal to a wider audience and compete with other forms of entertainment.
The combination of leadership and strategic growth will be key to ensuring that Snoqualmie Casino remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market. As the expansion continues, the leadership team will need to balance short-term operational needs with the long-term vision of creating a world-class destination for gaming, entertainment, and hospitality.
Snoqualmie Casino’s recent leadership appointments are part of a broader strategy to ensure the success of its ambitious $400 million expansion project. With Mary Lou Patterson at the helm as Interim CEO, Daniel Hanson managing the financials as CFO, and Asim Bajwa leading the new hotel operations, the casino is well-positioned for future growth. The expansion will bring a new hotel, an enhanced gaming floor, a large entertainment and convention center, and additional dining options—all designed to make Snoqualmie Casino a premier entertainment destination in the Pacific Northwest.
As the property continues to grow and evolve, these leadership changes will help shape its future and ensure that it meets the needs of both its current guests and the broader market. The investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and entertainment is a clear signal that Snoqualmie Casino is committed to remaining a leader in the region’s gaming and entertainment industry.