Growth in gaming, development opportunities drive LaGrange company’s addition
LA GRANGE, Ky. (Nov. 17, 2014) – Encompass Develop, Design and Construct is expanding its leadership to meet growth potential across the nation in hospitality, gaming and other industries.
Tom O’Donnell, a 33-year veteran of the gaming and hospitality industry who held leadership roles at Harrah’s Entertainment and Churchill Downs Inc., has been named chief executive officer. John Stewart, the LaGrange-based company’s founder and president, selected O’Donnell to bring additional senior leadership to the expanding company.
“The potential for development growth in the post-recession era is tremendous,” Stewart said. “Tom brings the proven leadership, industry insight and operations expertise that Encompass needs to move to the next level.”
Encompass has served as a partner for major companies such as Brown-Forman, Churchill Downs Inc., Yum! Brands, Caesars, and Pinnacle Entertainment. The firm has expertise as an owners’ representative and construction manager for major construction projects. The company’s recent work includes: the Jack Daniel Cooperage for Louisville-based Brown-Forman; the big board and garden terrace addition at Churchill Downs; and Darrell Griffith Athletic Center in Louisville’s West end.
O’Donnell has worked as a gaming industry consultant for the past eight years, including a number of projects with Encompass and Churchill Downs Inc. For nearly half of his career, O’Donnell was a senior level leader for Harrah’s Entertainment properties across the country, including Atlantic City, N.J.; New Orleans; Biloxi, Mo.; and Joliet, Ill.
He also brings experience in the expanding Native American gaming market including senior management positions at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino (Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians) in Cherokee, N.C., and Turning Stone Casino (Oneida Indian Nation Enterprises) in Oneida, N.Y.
Stewart said he decided to split his leadership role and bring on O’Donnell to ensure the fast-growing company can continue to deliver the kind of personal, hands-on service that’s essential to its success.
O’Donnell and other additions to the leadership team will also allow Stewart to focus more on the company’s philanthropic works, business development, marketing and visioning.
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