Palm Springs, Ca (March 1, 2011) – The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians announced today the promotion of Brian Hansberry to Chief Operating Officer for the Tribe.  Hansberry had previously held the position of General Manager at Agua Caliente Casino, Resort, Spa, in Rancho Mirage.  He will now oversee operations for that property, as well as the Tribe’s other casino—Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs.

Richard M. Milanovich, Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians said Hansberry is a natural fit for the position.  “Brian’s experience in managing Four-Diamond casino properties will no doubt serve us well as we move forward in our efforts to grow our resorts and gaming-based businesses.”

Hansberry joined Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in July 2010.  Over the past eight months, he has initiated several projects with resounding success: the expansion of the property’s enormously popular Poker Room; the addition of Penny Corner, an all-penny slot room; the addition of patio seating to The Steakhouse; and the relocation and build out of property’s coffee shop among other important business improvements. Under his management, Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa was also awarded with a Four-Diamond hotel rating for the second consecutive year.

Hansberry began his career in the late 1970s as a crap dealer at Resorts International, the first casino to open outside Nevada.  Since then, he has become an icon in East Coast gaming operations.  Hansberry has held executive positions at Atlantic City casinos for much of his career, and was selected as one of the “25 People to Watch” by Global Gaming Business magazine.

Before joining the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Hansberry served as President and CEO for the Seneca Gaming Corporation headquartered in Niagara Falls, New York.  During his time there, he assisted in the opening of the company’s third gaming resort, and later oversaw all three of the company’s gaming properties.