MGM National Harbor Appoints Chris Gumiela as President and COO
United States – 11 November 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com MGM National Harbor, one of Maryland’s leading casino and entertainment destinations, has announced the appointment of Chris Gumiela as its new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeding Melonie Johnson, who has retired from the position.
The appointment, announced on 9 November 2026, marks the executive’s return to the property, where he previously held senior responsibilities in marketing and commercial development.
Gumiela brings more than 20 years of experience across land-based and digital gaming, primarily within MGM Resorts International.
New Leadership for MGM National Harbor
As President and COO, Gumiela will oversee the resort’s day-to-day operations and provide strategic direction.
His main priorities include strengthening employee engagement, enhancing the visitor experience and consolidating relationships with local communities.
The company aims to leverage his knowledge of the regional market and experience across different business divisions to support the property’s next phase of development.
The appointment follows the retirement of Melonie Johnson, who had led MGM National Harbor since December 2017.
An Experienced Executive Returns to the Property
Chris Gumiela previously served on MGM National Harbor’s leadership team between August 2017 and July 2020 as Vice President of Marketing.
During this period, he helped establish the property’s brand identity and strengthen its positioning as a major entertainment destination in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
According to MGM Resorts, his work contributed to generating nearly US$1 billion in property-wide revenue and developing partnerships with community organisations and local institutions.
The experience gained during those years will be an important asset as he returns to lead the resort.
Two Decades of Experience at MGM Resorts
Gumiela began his career with MGM Resorts in 2006, joining the company’s Management Associate Program (MAP).
His training began at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, where he gained experience across different operational areas of hospitality and resort management.
He subsequently held several positions within the group, including:
- Slot Marketing and Analytics Analyst.
- Casino Marketing Manager.
- Director of Operations for Corporate Marketing.
- Executive Director of Corporate Marketing Operations.
- Vice President of Brand Strategy for Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, now Park MGM.
This career path provided extensive experience in land-based operations, commercial planning and strategic management.
Regional Experience at MGM National Harbor and Borgata
Following his first period in Maryland, Gumiela became Vice President of Marketing and Advertising for MGM Resorts’ Regional Portfolio.
In this position, he oversaw commercial strategies and operational efficiency initiatives at two major properties:
MGM National Harbor in Maryland and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The role provided experience in managing commercial activities across different US gaming markets while strengthening coordination between the group’s properties.
BetMGM and Digital Gaming Integration
Since 2021, Gumiela has served as Senior Vice President of Interactive Operations at MGM Resorts.
In this role, he led initiatives designed to connect the company’s digital BetMGM business with its land-based casino resorts.
His responsibilities focused on strengthening omnichannel integration and improving coordination between online betting platforms and physical gaming operations.
This experience is particularly relevant as major international operators increasingly develop commercial strategies combining digital and land-based gaming.
Involvement with LeoVegas and Capital Committee
During his tenure in Interactive Operations, Gumiela also participated in strategic projects involving other MGM Resorts businesses.
He served on the five-member Steering Committee for LeoVegas, the online gambling company owned by MGM Resorts.
In 2026, he was also appointed to the MGM Resorts Capital Committee, which is involved in the group’s investment and capital allocation decisions.
These responsibilities further strengthened his experience in strategic planning, investment management and digital business development.
Statements from Chris Gumiela
The newly appointed President and COO expressed enthusiasm about returning to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, commonly known as the DMV, covering Washington, Maryland and Virginia.
Gumiela stated that he looks forward to expanding MGM National Harbor’s position as a major regional entertainment destination.
He also highlighted his intention to strengthen the property’s involvement in community initiatives across Prince George’s County, where the resort is located.
His comments reflect a strategy combining commercial development with institutional engagement and local partnerships.
MGM National Harbor Approaches Its Tenth Anniversary
The appointment comes at an important moment for MGM National Harbor, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary in December 2026.
Since opening, the resort has established itself as a major casino and entertainment destination in Maryland, offering gaming, hospitality, dining and live entertainment.
Gumiela’s appointment brings back an executive who participated in the property’s early development and subsequently gained extensive experience in digital operations and regional business strategies.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
Chris Gumiela’s appointment reflects the importance MGM Resorts places on integrating its land-based and digital gaming businesses.
His experience with BetMGM, LeoVegas and several MGM properties could help strengthen commercial and operational coordination at MGM National Harbor.
The new leadership will also prioritise employee engagement and community relationships, both identified as key areas of focus by the company.
With more than two decades of experience within MGM Resorts, Gumiela takes charge of MGM National Harbor as the property approaches its tenth anniversary and enters a new phase of commercial development.
Editó: @fonta
