Scott C. Butera
President
Scott Butera was appointed President of Tropicana Entertainment, LLC in March 2008, bringing extensive senior management experience in the gaming, lodging and real estate industries. As President, Mr. Butera is responsible for developing strategic initiatives to improve the company's capital structure and operating results. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and as President, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, Inc., where he effectively led the company’s successful recapitalization plan. Mr. Butera began his career in investment banking, where he worked for 15 years, focusing primarily on the gaming, lodging and leisure industries.
Robert Kocienski
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Robert Kocienski, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tropicana Entertainment LLC, joined the company in April 2008, bringing more than 20 years of financial and gaming expertise. Prior to joining Tropicana, Mr. Kocienski served as CFO of Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Mr. Kocienski also served as EVP and CFO for the Mirage Hotel and Casino Resort from 2000 to 2003 and the Golden Nugget Las Vegas from 1992 to 2000. Mr. Kocienski also held senior positions at Torguson Gaming Group, Inc., Charles Town Races & Slots and The Las Vegas Hilton. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Kocienski also was employed as a regulator with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement from November 1978 to October 1984.
Kevin Preston
Senior Vice-President of Gaming Operations
Kevin Preston joined Tropicana Casinos & Resorts in June of 2007 bringing his extensive gaming industry experience. He began his career in 1992 with Harrah’s Joliet Casino, where he served at both the property and corporate levels. In his various roles with Harrah's, Kevin oversaw all of the riverboat and Las Vegas markets. His roles with other companies included executive positions with Majestic Star Casino in Indiana, Grace Entertainment in Iowa and Missouri, and most recently, Wild Rose Entertainment in Iowa. Kevin has served on the board of directors for the Iowa Restaurant Association as well as the Iowa Gaming Association, where he was the Treasurer for the past five years. Kevin brings vast leadership and gaming knowledge to Tropicana’s 14 gaming operations throughout the U.S. and in the Caribbean.
Bob Little
Regional Vice-President – Eastern Division
Bob Little joined Tropicana Casinos and Resorts in August of 2007. An industry veteran, he brings more than three decades of experience to the company. In his role as Regional Vice President of Operations, Bob is responsible for Indiana, Mississippi and Louisana. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Bob served as Casino Manager at Resorts Atlantic City, the city's first casino. Throughout his impressive career he has worked in many gaming jurisdictions including Las Vegas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Iowa, New Mexico and Missouri.
Rick Yuhas
Vice President of Casino Operations – Nevada Region
Rick Yuhas brings 26 years of gaming experience to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts. Mr. Yuhas began his career in the industry in 1981 with the Nevada Gaming Control Board. He then joined Harrah's Entertainment, where he served at six properties in various senior roles. His past positions have included Vice President of Casino Operations, Director of Gaming Operations and Security/Surveillance Director. Mr. Yuhas is key licensed in four states and three countries.
