Las Vegas Sun

February 12, 2012

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Boyd Gaming president to chair American Gaming Association

By Amanda Finnegan

Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010 | 1:37 p.m.

Sun Coverage

Boyd Gaming President and Chief Executive Keith Smith has been elected as the new chairman of the American Gaming Association, the AGA announced today.

Board members of the gaming industry’s lead lobbying organization voted on Smith’s appointment during its annual December meeting but was not announced until today.

Smith will replace former International Game Technology Chairman T.J. Matthews as chairman. Bally Technologies President and Chief Executive Richard Haddrill will step into Smith’s spot at vice chairman.

“The coming year promises to bring both challenges and opportunities, and I am confident that Keith and Dick will steer us in the right direction. Together, they boast more than 35 years of gaming industry experience. They will maintain the board’s important balance between the operating and manufacturing sides of our industry and work tirelessly to protect the interests of our organization’s diverse membership,” AGA President and Chief Executive Frank Fahrenkopf said in a statement.

In addition to Smith’s appointment, AGA elected IGT President and Chief Executive Patti Hart and President and Chief Operating Officer Timothy Wilmott as directors. Nick Kihn, president for the Americas for Aristocrat Technologies, and Harrah’s Entertainment Chairman, President and Chief Executive Gary Loveman were also re-elected to the board.

Other current members of the AGA board are Brian R. Gamache, chairman and CEO of WMS Gaming Inc.; Gordon R. Kanofsky, CEO and vice chairman of Ameristar Casinos, Inc.; Virginia McDowell, president and COO of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.; Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of Mg Mirage, and Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada.

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