Frank Freedman appointed CEO of Four Winds Casinos

DOWAGIAC, MI -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is pleased to announce the appointment of Frank Freedman as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of its Four Winds Casinos. Freedman, who previously served as Assistant General Manager of Four Winds New Buffalo, and General Manager of Four Winds Hartford and Four Winds Dowagiac, succeeds Matt Harkness who is leaving the organization to pursue other interests. Both Mr. Freedman and Mr. Harkness started their employment with Four Winds Casinos before the opening of Four Winds New Buffalo in 2007.

"Matt Harkness and Frank Freedman have played very important roles in the development, growth and success of our Four Winds Casinos," said John P. Warren, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. "On behalf of the Tribal Council, Gaming Authority and all Pokagon Citizens, we sincerely thank Matt for his hard work, dedication and leadership over the past eight years, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. He will truly be missed."

"It has been an incredible experience working with the Pokagon Band to open Four Winds New Buffalo, Four Winds Dowagiac and Four Winds Hartford," said Matt Harkness. "I offer a heartfelt thank you to Chairman Warren and all Pokagon Citizens for the opportunities they have provided me. I leave the Four Winds organization proud of our accomplishments and with many strong friendships."

Chairman Warren also added, "We are also very pleased to appoint Frank Freedman as COO of Four Winds Casinos. Frank has worked closely with Matt Harkness for 20 years, including the last eight at Four Winds, and we have the utmost confidence in his abilities to lead the organization to continued success."

Frank Freedman said, "Matt Harkness has been a trusted mentor and friend for more than 20 years and I wish him well as he pursues the next phase of his career. I would also like to thank the Pokagon Band for the opportunity to lead the Four Winds organization and continue to build upon the success that we've achieved."

Four Winds Casinos has set a new standard for gaming in the Midwest. In 2014, Four Winds Casinos received 56 industry and regional awards for its gaming, hotel, restaurants and other amenities. Four Winds New Buffalo was recently named one of the top casinos outside Las Vegas by USA Today and offers an unparalleled gaming experience that is matched by its gourmet restaurants, luxury hotel, Hard Rock Cafe Four Winds, and Silver Creek Event Center. Its two satellite locations, Four Winds Hartford and Four Winds Dowagiac, offer players an opportunity to earn points, redeem offers, and participate in promotions, just as they do at Four Winds New Buffalo.