MGM Resorts hires VP of Global Industry Affairs

(PRESS RELEASE) -- MGM Resorts International today announced that Debra DeShong has joined its team as Vice President of Global Industry Affairs. In this role, Ms. DeShong will lead the global hospitality and entertainment corporation's proactive media relations and messaging strategies for issues affecting MGM Resorts around the world. She will be based in Washington, D.C.

Ms. DeShong joins MGM Resorts with more than 20 years of experience in public policy, communications and international relations. She most recently served as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Public Affairs for Subject Matter, a strategic communications firm in Washington, D.C.

"Debra's decades of leadership in public policy and international relations, coupled with her expertise in messaging and strategy, make her a highly valuable addition to the MGM Resorts team," said Alan Feldman, Executive Vice President of Global Industry Affairs. "We are thrilled to add her to our talented workforce as we continue to expand our footprint worldwide."

Prior to Subject Matter, Ms. DeShong served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy, where she closely coordinated with political leaders and stakeholders on messaging and business community outreach on issues such as the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement and women's empowerment.

She was also previously a co-founder of Washington public affairs firm Point Blank Public Affairs and the founder of Five by Five Public Affairs, and held top communications positions with The United Nations Foundation, U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli, the Democratic National Committee and the Kerry-Edwards for President campaign.

Ms. DeShong holds a master's degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in English from Fairfield University.