AGA members re-elect five board directors

At the board of directors meeting prior to the annual meeting, the AGA board elected Robert Heller, managing director and head of gaming and leisure for the Americas at UBS Investment Bank, to his first term as an at-large member of the board. Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada, was re-elected as an at-large member. Both at-large directors received one-year terms.

"Rob's experience in the banking industry will bring a different and important perspective to any issue the board discusses," said Frank Fahrenkopf, president and CEO of the AGA. "He joins an accomplished group of leaders who have guided the organization with a steady hand during a time of unprecedented economic challenges for our industry. This board's experience will provide crucial guidance as the industry's economic fortunes improve."

The leadership of the AGA board also will remain in place with Keith Smith, AGA chairman and president and CEO of Boyd Gaming Corporation, and Richard Haddrill, AGA vice chairman and president, CEO and director of Bally Technologies, Inc., continuing in their positions until their terms expire at the end of 2011.

Other current members of the AGA board are Patti S. Hart, president and CEO of International Game Technology (IGT); Nick Khin, president of the Americas for Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.; Gary Loveman, chairman, president and CEO of Caesars Entertainment Corporation; Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International; and Timothy J. Wilmott, president and COO of Penn National Gaming, Inc.

The AGA represents the commercial casino-entertainment industry by addressing federal legislative and regulatory issues. The association also serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational and advocacy programs, and provides leadership on industry-related issues of public concern.