Mohegan Sun elevated a pair of executives to leadership roles in the entertainment branch of the megaresort. The promotions were announced November 10, along with a new hire.
Kayla Smith will be the new manager of sports and entertainment. Also promoted was Matt Dole, the latest director of entertainment strategic planning. Newly signed was Elijah Panfili, who will act as a publicist for the sports and entertainment division.
In a press release announcing the promotions, Mohegan Sun said Smith and Dole “have played integral roles in the Mohegan Sun’s success and will continue to help shape the future of one of the nation’s premier destinations for live entertainment.”
Both have worked their way up through the ranks at the resort. Smith began her Mohegan Sun career 21 years ago as a hotel receptionist. Dole started as a host at the Cove Lounge restaurant 20 years ago.
From behind the reception desk, Smith went on to become a hotel supervisor and dual-rate manager. In early 2020, she made the transition to Sports & Entertainment, working with contracts and schedules. Smith will continue those responsibilities, in addition to handling booking for Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den and assisting with engagements for The Cabaret Theatre, Sun Patio, and Mohegan Sun Arena.
Most recently part of the entertainment cohort at Mohegan Sun, Dole has experience in several other divisions. He has worked in revenue management and VIP services, as well as for the Arena Club. In his new role, among other responsibilities, he will be a liaison to Live Nation and to leading artist-management agencies.
An alumnus of Central Connecticut State University, Panfili will support the efforts of the Sports & Entertainment team in his new role as publicist. His role is described as being to drive engagement and build awareness of the concert and sporting-event calendars, both at Mohegan Sun Arena and the resort’s smaller venues.
