AGA appoints new Chairman

The Washington, DC-based advocacy group stated that Matthews’ new role would begin immediately and that he had served as its Vice-Chairman for the previous two years. Loveman is set to remain as a member of the AGA’s board while Keith Smith, Chairman and CEO for Boyd Gaming Corporation, has been elected to replace Matthews as Vice-Chairman.

“Gary’s leadership over the past two years has helped the AGA thrive and continue its development as an important and effective voice for the gaming industry in Washington and nationwide,” Frank Fahrenkopf, President and CEO for the AGA.

“We are grateful for the work he has done on behalf of the entire industry. The current economic recession will pose great challenges for the gaming industry in the next two years and I am confident that ‘TJ’ and Keith are the right men to steer the AGA through these difficult times. ‘TJ’ and Keith bring expertise in the manufacturing and operating sides of the industry, respectively, and will create an important and necessary balance that represents all AGA members.”

The AGA also elected two new directors to its board for 2009, James Murren from MGM Mirage and Nick Khin from Aristocrat Technologies Incorporated, while Matthews and Smith were also re-elected alongside Daniel Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Pinnacle Entertainment Incorporated, Gordon Kanofsky, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman for Ameristar Casinos Incorporated, and Larry Ruvo, Senior Managing Partner for Southern Wine And Spirits Of Nevada.