Recent gaming industry appointments and honors

Monday, July 19, 1999 | 10:49 a.m.

Craig Hudson is vice president of brand management at Harrah's Entertainment Inc.

Jennifer Rivers, an executive casino host at Harrah's Las Vegas hotel-casino, was recognized by Harrah's Entertainment Inc. with a 1999 Chairman's Award for outstanding individual performance.

Phillip Barnett is director of food and beverage at Boulder Station hotel-casino.

At Bally Gaming and Systems, Rodney Hill is vice president of engineering and Russ Ristine is vice president of systems development.

Bruce Miller is executive chef at the Showboat hotel-casino.

Robert DeFazio is general manager of operations at Motown Cafe Las Vegas at the New York-New York hotel-casino.

Richard Waters was named 1999 gaming professional of the year by the Casino Management Association. Criteria for the award include 15 or more years of gaming experience with at least 10 in management, and not holding the title of president or above. Waters is senior vice president of casino operations at Caesars Palace hotel-casino.

Chris Durand of Acres Gaming is technical chairman of the Gaming Manufacturers Association.

Madame Tussaud's Celebrity Encounter at the Venetian hotel-casino named its management team: Tony Peluso, vice president and director of development; Wyatt Foley, general manager; Steve Cook, manager of marketing and sales; Omid Aminifard, manager of operations and LaLita Zoet, manager of human resources.