New York: Seneca Gaming appoints longtime employees Israel and Papaj to GM posts

November 7, 2022 6:32 PM
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports
November 7, 2022 6:32 PM
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports

Seneca Gaming Corporation on Friday announced that longtime employees Joanne Israel and Marc Papaj have been promoted.  Israel is the new general manager at Seneca Niagara Resort in Casino in Niagara Falls, New York, and Papaj will serve as general manager at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in Downtown Buffalo.

Story continues below

“Joanne and Marc have established themselves as effective and respected leaders in our organization who share a similar focus on delivering operational success and excellent customer service,” said Seneca Gaming Corporation President & CEO Kevin Nephew in a statement. “We’re proud to have them lead our Seneca Niagara and Seneca Buffalo Creek properties into their next exciting chapters.”

Israel joined Seneca Gaming Corporation in 2011 after five years as a public accountant, and has been assistant general manager at Seneca Niagara since 2018. She helped manage and facilitate the $40 million Seneca Arrival Experience project that renovated and reimagined the east entrance to the resort. As Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino General Manager from 2016-2018, Israel coordinated and supervised a $40 million expansion of the facility, including new gaming, dining and retail space.

She’s also worked as corporate director of finance and casino controller for Seneca Gaming.

“Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is recognized throughout the gaming industry a destination of choice,” Israel said. “Our reputation as a world-class operation has been built by the incredible and tireless work of thousands of dedicated team members over the past two decades. I’m grateful for the opportunity to carry that work forward.”

Papaj, who joined Seneca Gaming in 2011, has served as assistant general manager at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino since 2018. He previously was the vice president of resort operations at Seneca Niagara, leading a $7 million renovation of the property’s penthouse suites. Papaj also served as vice president of resort operations at Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino.

Papaj previously worked in management roles at Mirage Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, W Los Angeles Westwood, and the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C.. He opened the Lorien Hotel & Spa in Alexandra, Virginia, for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants before joining Seneca Gaming Corporation.

“I am honored to accept this opportunity and continue to grow my career with Seneca Gaming Corporation,” Papaj said. “We have built a culture of energy and excitement at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, which is truly a centerpiece in downtown Buffalo. I am excited to work with our team to build on that excitement in the months and years ahead.”