CASINO | Casino Hosts
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Host Team
Vice President of Player Development
Brian Turnbull
(o) 954-895-4187
Veteran gaming industry insider Brian brings over 18 years of experience to Seminole Hard Rock. He started his career at Foxwoods in Connecticut in 1994 where he orchestrated quality gaming experiences for some of the top players in the Northeast. Brian joined the Seminole Hard Rock team in 2009 as our vice president of player development and has been accommodating guests with his excellent customer service skills ever since.
Director of Player Development
Tom Mullin
(o) 954-327-7512
With over 25 years of sales and marketing experience, Tom Mullin holds a full house in making guests happy. Tom has been with Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood since its inception and navigates the playing and entertainment floor like no one else. In addition to his position as director of Player Development at Seminole Hard Rock, Tom spent time at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City as a VIP service representative and with MCI Telecommunications as a national account team sales manager. A former South Florida restaurant and pub owner, Tom is a music aficionado who loves dogs (our hotel is pet-friendly)!
Player Development Executives
Jonathan DeFilippis
(o) 954-327-7608
A player development professional, Jonathan’s eight years with Seminole Hard Hollywood stand as a testament to his guest satisfaction excellence. Jonathan is a driven and self motivated individual who is committed to building unique personal relationships with each and every one of his guests. Going above and beyond comes standard to Jonathan. Don’t miss out on all that Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood has to offer. Reach out to Jonathan via email and get ready to take your gaming experience to the next level.
Nicole Sexton
(o) 954-327-7625
From the high seas to the high limit rooms, Nicole Sexton brings over 20 years of gaming business experience to our guests at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Her enthusiasm and desire to up the ante for guest satisfaction led her from the Palm Beach Princess in 2008 to Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood as a Player Development team member. She’s now a Player Development executive where her charismatic personality, dedication and attentive qualities always add up to an engaging guest experience. Nicole enjoys the fast-paced and exciting atmosphere at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood and looks forward to sharing her winning strategies with you.
Susan Chen
(o) 954-327-7747
Hospitality veteran Susan Chen has worked for the most esteemed casinos around the country from New Jersey to Louisiana to Colorado for the past 20 years. Born in Taiwan, Susan immigrated to the United States at age nine. Having the best of both worlds, she truly understands the Asian and domestic marketplace and is exemplary in her efforts to build and maintain guest relationships that bridge the two cultures.
Vanessa Bobadilla
(o) 954-327-7625
Direct from the Big Apple New York City, Vanessa brings 15 years of hotel and casino marketing experience to our slice of the South. As an inaugural team member, Vanessa learned the ropes stateside, before taking her talents to other casinos overseas for five years. She knows there is “no place like home” and we’re glad that she’s returned to her Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Family as a Latin American player development executive. Please don’t hesitate to contact Vanessa with any questions.
Player Development Managers
Kristal DeFilippis
(o) 954-327-7765
Another prime player development professional, Kristal has more than eight years experience under her shining studded rock and roll belt. From hotel operations, she gained a foothold in player development as a coordinator and worked her way up. A well-rounded individual with multi-departmental knowledge, Kristal definitely has game. Her current position as player development manager entails managing the Junket Rep program and overseeing a multiple number of reps in pitch-perfect style.
Randi Duncan
(o) 954-327-7524
Randi has been in the casino industry for nearly ten years. Her experience in both offshore and land-based gaming include working the Player's Club booth, planning events, accommodating high end VIP players and even scouting and booking entertainment. Her favorite aspect of player development, though, is making every moment memorable for her guests. From flight or room arrangements to parties and special occasions, Randi will be there every step of the way. As player development manager at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Randi will ensure that each member of our team is ready and willing to go that extra mile to maximize your gaming experience! She is available at any time to make sure you enjoy your time here at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood!
Executive Host
Arturo Camargo
(o) 954-327-7625
An eight-year Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood veteran, Arturo is your go-to guy for customer service. Arturo speaks both English and Spanish which has been helpful in working with native and foreign guests. Working his way up from the Players Club, Arturo has made it his #1 priority to make players feel welcomed and valued. Now as an executive casino host, he has stepped-up the beat to meet and greet even more guests. For an international welcome accented with old world graciousness, ask for Arturo.
David Hiscox
(o) 954-327-7625
As an executive casino host, Dave’s the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood nightshift night owl with the know-how to exceed guest expectations. Dave possesses 18 years in the business and puts pleasing people as his first priority. Making late nights come alive, Dave is the host with the most ways for you to win on his mind. Stop by and introduce yourself, so he can put a face to the name and start you on your way to an awesome experience.
Jorge Menendez
(o) 954-327-7625
For approximately eight years, Jorge has been perfecting the exceptional guest experience at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. He’s a bilingual professional who has quickly risen through the ranks from supervisor for the in-room dining department to the marketing department to his present position as a superstar executive host. Jorge’s background includes positions at Miami's most desirable five-star and Five Diamond luxury hotels. His ability to speak both English and Spanish has been instrumental in making international guests feel right at home. Highly motivated, Jorge is willing to go that extra mile to assist you.
Karen Dirindin
(o) 954-327-7625
A hospitality and gaming industry professional, Karen began her career in Chicagoland in the 90s as a table game dealer. She quickly was promoted to Player Development where she enjoyed various supervisory and managerial positions among the most reputable names in the gaming industry. For the past 20 years, Karen has taken great pride in delivering world class customer service to her guests. As an executive casino host, Karen is an engaging, integral team member team ready to take players to the top. Stop by or reach out; she would love to meet you!
Kristina Valente
(o) 954-327-7625
A Tampa transfer, Kristina Valente has been with the Hard Rock brand since 2007. As a casino host at sister property Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, Kristina progressively showed her strengths in customer service and attention to detail. One year later, she transferred to Hollywood to showcase her winning style as an executive host. Kristina's main focus is to convey a special "One-of-a-Kind" feeling to players. She’s ace at establishing long-term guest relationships because of her ability to find the perfect accommodations for each visit. If you have any questions or requests, send her an email or give her a call. She'd love to hear from you!
Tanya Williams
(o) 954-327-7625
Another executive casino host, Tanya has over eight years of gaming experience combined with a background in business. Tanya was born and raised in London, England and has a true love for European culture. Whether it is time for tea or Texas T, Tanya truly loves to see her guests prosper and greets each arrival with a smile. She’s a pro at helping players align their taste, skill and desired games. A true rock star, Tanya has been known to sing a song or two and relished her involvement in many of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood’s charity initiatives and fashion shows. Give her a call or email her, any time. She would love to meet you!
Tuan-Francois Truong
(o) 954-327-7625
He is of Vietnamese descent but was born and raised in Paris and speaks French, Vietnamese and English. His marketing background makes him an outgoing host who enjoys developing relationship with players, making new friends and greeting old ones. Let him welcome you the world of Seminole Hard Rock in his own special way.
Casino Host
Alex Hernandez
(o) 954-327-7625
Rock your play in style with Alex who has been striking all the right chords with guests at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood since 2006. Alex worked his way up from Players Club representative to Casino Host in just one year. A dedicated professional, Alex’s priority is making first-time and long-term memories. Call, email or text him for a truly personalized experience.
Aneel Irfan
(o) 954-327-7625
The worldly Aneel has been with Seminole Gaming for more than five years. Fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi and soon-to-be Spanish, Aneel’s welcoming and positive personality, engaging approach and dedication to guests is second to none. His wealth of expertise across many casino disciplines ranging from cash operations to table games and poker, establishes him a great resource for guests. Next time you visit, make it a must to meet Aneel to maximize your Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood gaming experience!
Ava Belisle
(o) 954-327-7625
Ava is a seasoned gaming industry professional who strives to take customer service to the next level. Ava started her career in the table games field as a dealer and was part of the opening team at Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut. She then moved on to Mohegan Sun and supported their opening as a table games floor supervisor, eventually working her way up to pit manager. Ava joined Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in 2007 to pursue a career in marketing. Her extensive gaming knowledge, stellar customer service skills and “can do attitude” go above and beyond for Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood guests. During your next visit, be sure to contact Ava. She can’t wait to hear from you!
Bianca Robilio
(o) 954-327-7625
All-in dating back from when Seminole Hard Rock opened its doors in 2004, Bianca is an engaging and vibrant team member. A testament to the success of the Player’s Club, Bianca credits her host achievements to her hospitality and gaming industry background. Her passion is fashion and she’ll always greet you in style with grace and charm. Bianca counts her guests among family so going above and beyond to make each visit memorable is in her nature. Don’t be shy to send her an email or give her a call.
Christine "Tina" Owen
(o) 954-327-7625
Our own award-winning Rock Star Tina is also an honored Leader of the Pack! She is progressively recognized for her knowledge of the complete experience including reservations, casino credit and, now, casino host! Tina’s commendable service is a result of hard work and expert awareness of every aspect of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Prior to becoming a part of our family five years ago, Tina served up smiles in marketing and customer service. Experience first-class entertainment with Tina paving the way to win at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood.
Crista Annese
(o) 954-327-7625
Crista is no stranger to the hospitality industry having begun her career with Hard Rock over 10 years ago in Orlando, Florida. As a Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood casino host, she prides herself on making sure her guests have the total Hard Rock experience! With a background in marketing and management, Crista is a well-rounded host who loves meeting new guests and getting together with old friends. Call or email her, anytime, or better yet, just come by and visit her in the casino to say, “Hello.”
Cristian Granata
(o) 954-327-7625
Cristian is a bi-lingual casino host fluent in English and Spanish. He possesses more than 20 years of experience in customer service and sales for high-end retail stores in Argentina and the EEUU. As one of our newer team members, Cristian’s superior skills, dedication and drive in cash operations netted him a prime casino host position.
Daryl Lynem
(o) 954-327-7625
With more than five years at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood under his belt, Daryl has shown superior management skills in cash and credit operations, VIP services, employee training, promotions and more. After becoming our Rock Star of the Month in October 2009, Daryl made the leap to casino host where further shone by keeping customers and players at the top of their game. Customer satisfaction is priority #1 for the Broward College and Florida Atlantic University business alum. He credits his family and strong professional ethics for his unique and accommodating host savvy.
Jian "Ken" Wu
(o) 954-327-7625
Jian (Ken) Wu is originally from China. He moved to the US at age seven and is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese. He began his Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Hotel & Casino career in VIP Services and has since fine-tuned his skills as a table games dealer and floor supervisor. Ken, however, had always kept his eye on the prize of becoming a casino host. We’re proud to welcome him as one of the newest additions to our player development family. Ken’s a gregarious and kind-hearted host who wows guests with his magnetic personality. Make sure to say “hello” when you see him!
Karin Markovics
(o) 954-327-7625
With 14 years of customer service experience, Karin truly knows the meaning of going all out to get players “all-in.” She’s a loyal and dedicated host who’s ready to pinch-hit at a moment’s notice. A three-year Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood devoted host, Karin’s winning smile and friendly, outgoing attitude make her a top pick for players. Karin’s mantra is “to do whatever it takes to make the player happy.”
Kristofer Thomas
(o) 954-327-7625
Former broadcaster Kristofer made the successful switch from TV to gaming entertainment at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in 2009 and has never looked back. Kris is a native South Floridian and an alumnus of the historical Florida A&M University. Fostering a passion for education, Kris utilizes his spare time to teach grade school children and perform community service. He receives rave reviews from guests and team member and is highly regarded as a creative asset and a joy to work with.
Lamar Blandin
(o) 954-327-7625
Go-getter Lamar has worked his way through several of our customer service departments, including Food & Beverage, to find his rightful place in Player Development. A six-year property veteran, Lamar’s kind-hearted and cheerful approach and inimitable spirit make him an incredible asset to both team members and guests. Lamar is all about delivering over what is expected to ensure a memorable visit each and every time to Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. If you have any questions, please give him a call. He’s always ready and willing to accommodate old friends and new friends, alike!
Marcio Gomes-Pinto
(o) 954-327-7625
Tri-lingual Marcio (Spanish, English and Portuguese) fully understands the diverse cultural needs of his foreign players. Born in Brazil, Marcio has also resided in Caracas, Venezuela. Although a relative newcomer to the gaming industry, Marcio brings over 10 years of marketing and advertising experience to his position as Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood casino host. If you are looking for a hands-on casino host to navigate the endless entertainment possibilities and multiple ways to win big, reach out to Marcio. He would love to meet you!
Marguerite "Missy" VanGieson
(o) 954-327-7625
Marguerite introduced herself to Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood guests in 2008 as a pit clerk. This entre into the exciting gaming industry gave her a solid background in table games. Promoted to casino host three years ago, Marguerite loves her job and cherishes the interesting journey and diverse players she serves.
Michelle Kannel
(o) 954-327-7625
A Leader of the Pack and Rock Star award-winner, Michelle has more than 15 years in customer service that began at a family-owned business in Wisconsin. Upping her ante with an Associate Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management, Michelle relocated to Florida to join the Player Development team as a VIP service representative. It didn’t take long for outgoing Michelle to be promoted to Casino Host where she’s fine-tuned her drive and motivation to achieve 100% guest satisfaction at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood!
Quacie Gilchrist
(o) 954-327-7625
“Irie, Mon.” It’s all good when you have native Jamaican Quacie as your casino host! Memorable Quacie always has a warm and friendly smile for guests that impart a sense of ease to any mood. Quacie’s professional experience encompasses everything from medical billing to event planning to a lifelong passion for the performance stage. This amicable host, husband and a father of two rambunctious baby boys, injects a sense of humor into every experience; entertaining, yet, profoundly professional. Quacie began with Seminole Hard Rock in 2006 in our security department and quickly set his sights on the marketing/player development team where he has excelled over that past 5 years. His constant pursuit of knowledge has set him apart as an innovative thinker and problem solver. To enjoy the ultimate gaming experience while at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, the choice is simple. Just call, text or email Quacie.
