Cynthia Kiser Murphey selected to run San Manuel’s Las Vegas Casino

The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) recently announced that Cynthia Kiser Murphey has joined the San Manuel team as General Manager for The Palms Casino Resort (The “Palms”) in Las Vegas. SMGHA Nevada, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the SMGHA, is in a definitive agreement to acquire the Palms from Red Rock Resorts, Inc. The transaction is expected to close later in 2021, subject to the receipt of all necessary gaming regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Following the close of the transaction, Kiser Murphey, as General Manager, will be responsible for the operations of The Palms under SMGHA Nevada, LLC.  The casino resort, which has been closed for over a year, is located just west of I-15 near the Las Vegas Strip.

SMGHA Chairperson Latisha Casas said, “In Southern California, our Tribe is well known for being a successful casino operator and recognized as a community leader and an employer of choice. We live by values passed down by our ancestors; our values define us. It was important to our board that we find a leader for The Palms who shares our values, personifies our commitment to diversity, and exhibits a leadership style that puts people first. Upon meeting Cynthia, it was clear that she has all three and more.  With decades of experience in the gaming industry, she has excelled both in operations and human resources, creating dynamic teams that deliver memorable guest experiences, something that will be important to Las Vegas locals and our loyal guests from San Manuel Casino.”

Since 2020, Kiser Murphey has served as Chief Executive Officer to a large benefits fund. In 2008, Kiser Murphey was named President and Chief Operating Officer of New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. In this role, she oversaw operational activities for the 2,024-room on-strip property. Prior to her role at New York-New York, Kiser Murphey held multiple leadership positions at MGM Resorts International from 1992-2008, including serving as Senior Vice President of MGM MIRAGE Human Resources.

Kiser Murphey holds a bachelor’s degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management and a master’s degree in Hotel Administration, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority is a governmental instrumentality of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized Indian tribe, created for the purpose of independently carrying out the investment in, and ownership and management of, designated gaming and hospitality businesses outside of the San Manuel Reservation.