The upcoming Fontainebleau Las Vegas has appointed two executives to its leadership team in advance of its Dec.13 grand opening, pending regulatory approvals.
John Helderman—a 25-year veteran of the gaming, finance and accounting industries—has been named chief financial officer of the resort. Stacie Michaels has been promoted from general counsel to chief administrative officer, expanding her scope within the organization to include all legal, risk management, internal audit, compliance, and workers compensation functions.
“As we near our global debut, we are developing a successful culture under the guidance and perspective of seasoned leaders in gaming and beyond,” Fontainebleau Las Vegas President Mark Tricano said in a statement. “John and Stacie bring invaluable expertise to our resort. They have a critical understanding of the Las Vegas market, the leadership and business acumen that this industry covets and a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in the Fontainebleau tradition.”
Helderman most recently was CFO for Las Vegas-based financial services operator The Brennan Entities, and he held a similar role for slot company Bluberi Gaming. He has also served as vice president of finance for multiple Las Vegas Strip resorts, and he held the titles of president and CEO when he led a turnaround of the nonprofit Goodwill of Southern Nevada.
Michaels joined Fontainebleau Las Vegas in 2022 following more than a decade serving in multiple roles—senior vice president, general counsel and secretary—in the Las Vegas gaming and hospitality industries.