MGM Resorts International has made new appointments at two of its East Coast properties.
MGM National Harbor
The company reappointed Melonie Johnson as president and chief operating officer of the MGM National Harbor, located just outside of Washington, D.C. She will oversee the property’s day-to-day operations, provide strategic direction and focus on employee engagement and community relations.
Johnson previously led the Prince George’s County, Md.-based resort and casino from December 2017 through May 2020 before spending a year and a half as president and COO of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, an MGM Resorts International property in Atlantic City, N.J. In that role, she became the first Black woman to run a casino in the state’s premier gaming city.
Related: One-on-One with Melonie Johnson
“I am thrilled to be back in Maryland where I look forward to re-engaging with our employees and reconnecting with the Prince George’s County community,” Johnson said in a statement. “I was able to witness many of our resort’s successes during my previous three and a half years there, and I’m looking forward to working with the team towards many more in the years to come.”
Johnson’s gaming and hospitality career spans more than 25 years, and she joined MGM Resorts International in 2015. Through her tenure with the global entertainment company, Johnson led Gold Strike in Tunica, Miss., first as general manager and then as president and COO before joining MGM National Harbor in 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of New Orleans.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Travis Lunn, meanwhile, has stepped into Johnson’s shoes at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Most recently, Lunn was the MGM Resorts Southeast Group president and COO, where he led Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss., and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss. Under his leadership, both properties achieved all-time high gaming revenues for multiple months in 2021 while simultaneously implementing comprehensive COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Lunn also participated on the Gulf Coast Business Council’s executive committee.
“It’s an honor to be joining this incredibly talented team,” Lunn said. “Borgata is a world-class resort destination with a brand recognized nationwide for its spectacular accommodations, culinary program and entertainment offerings. I can’t wait to jump in and connect with all of the employees, guests and local community members.”
Lunn brings more than 20 years of gaming and hospitality experience to Borgata. Before overseeing MGM Resorts’ Mississippi properties, Lunn led MGM Grand Las Vegas as general manager and SVP of operations. Before joining MGM Resorts, he served as VP of operations for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and general manager of hotel operations for The Venetian and The Palazzo resorts in Las Vegas.
Lunn received a bachelor’s degree in hotel administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.