DEQ taps Christopher Benak as Chief Financial Officer

“Chris' casino operations and equipment manufacturing financial experience will be an instant asset to the executive team. Chris brings both gaming savvy and a publicly traded company experience set that will be the foundation for strong financial leadership and controls to support DEQ’s growth. His presence in Las Vegas will anchor the companies’ operations here and provide a basis for future expansion”, stated Joseph E. Bertolone, President and Chief Executive Officer of DEQ.

“I am extremely grateful and excited about the opportunity to join the DEQ team. I am looking forward to being a part of DEQ’s continued growth and success”, stated Mr. Benak.

Before joining DEQ, Mr. Benak served as VP Corporate Accounting & Assistant Treasurer at Tropicana Entertainment Inc. in Las Vegas, Nevada, since 2009. Prior to joining Tropicana, Mr. Benak held various and diversified roles within a variety of organizations and industries, including: Director of Client Service at Resources Global Professionals; Director of SEC Compliance and Director of External Reporting at Shuffle Master, Inc.; Internal Audit Manager – Enterprise Risk Services and Senior Auditor – Audit Enterprise Risk Services at Deloitte & Touche, LLP; and financial and casino controller positions at various casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Benak holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (emphasis in Accounting), from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Nevada.

Mr. Martin Audet will step down as Vice President Finance on May 22, 2015, to pursue another career opportunity.  Mr. Bertolone said: "Martin has done a wonderful job at DEQ.  We appreciate his stewardship and commitment to DEQ. We wish him well as he embarks on his next career challenge."