Cordish Gaming Group, the gaming division of The Cordish Companies, has appointed Jamie Williams as Director of Sales for its upcoming $270+ million Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. The property is set to open in early 2025.
Williams will be responsible for planning and managing the overall strategic sales and marketing initiatives for the 550-room luxury hotel, which features a resort-style pool and fitness center and a 25,000-square-foot event center, the company said in a statement.
In the role, Williams will lead an experienced team of sales experts. She will also work closely with the food and beverage team to advise on event execution and strategy, rounding out the property’s team of catering and event professionals.
Williams brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality field and is a well-known industry veteran in Louisiana. She has extensive knowledge in generating growth in sales revenue, leading high-performing teams and cultivating key relationships, the statement said.
Previously, Williams held prominent leadership roles including Director of Sales and Catering at Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel and Casino; Director of Sales, Catering, Events, and Marketing at the Shreveport Convention Center and Shreveport Municipal Auditorium; Director of Sales at Horseshoe Bossier City Casino and Hotel and Harrah’s Louisiana Downs; Sales Manager at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino; Director of Sales at Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel Bossier City; and Director of Sales at Diamond Jacks Casino & Hotel, the predecessor property currently being renovated into Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana.
“I’m so excited to join the Live! team and eager to showcase all that Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana has to offer to the Ark-La-Tex region. The versatile event space is just the right venue for virtually any gathering.,” Williams said.
"Whether hosting a conference, arranging an executive retreat, or planning a dream wedding, the Event Center is going to be the premiere destination in the region. Throw in the nation’s best touring acts and show-stopping entertainment along with southern hospitality, and Live! Louisiana will prove to be an unforgettable experience."
Williams is an alumna of Troy State University in Dothan, Alabama, and currently resides in Bossier City. She has served on the board of directors for the Louisiana Society of Association Executives for 13 years.
“Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is poised to redefine entertainment in the Ark-La-Tex region, offering a state-of-the-art casino, luxury hotel, and a cutting-edge convention and meeting space. It will be a first-class destination for top-tier entertainment, business functions and celebrations,” said John Chaszar, General Manager, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana.
"Jamie’s leadership will be instrumental in welcoming the community into this brand-new venue and directing a top-notch, diverse team of industry professionals to provide the exceptional experience that has become synonymous with the Live! brand nationwide."
Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will be the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market and the first Live! branded property in Louisiana. The project is expected to generate $35 million in gaming tax revenues for the City of Bossier and more than $168 million in gaming tax revenues for the State of Louisiana within the first five years of operation.
Annually it is expected to generate $34 million in salaries, wages and tips, create approximately 750 new construction jobs and approximately 750 permanent gaming and hospitality jobs for local and regional residents, the company said.