Wisconsin: Potawatomi’s Ferguson steps down as CEO and GM

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 11:32 PM

Rodney Ferguson, CEO and General Manager of the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee, resigned Wednesday.

Ferguson, who worked two stints at the property, is returning to his native Virginia to assist the Pamunkey Indian Tribe develop and manage a new casino property in the city of Norfolk.

“While I am excited about moving back home to pursue this exciting opportunity, I am saddened to be leaving Potawatomi and Milwaukee,” said Ferguson in a statement. “With the help of many great team members, we’ve accomplished much over the last several years.”

Ferguson was Potawatomi’s CFO from 2013 to 2015, and COO from 2016 to 2017, before becoming CEO and general manager. His accomplishments include helping to open and expand the property’s hotel and coordinating its presenting sponsorship of the city’s streetcar. Ferguson also helped the Potawatomi Tribe deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ferguson served on the board of directors at Menomonee Valley Partners, COA Youth and Family Centers, Wisconsin Policy Forum, Sojourner Family Peace Center, Teach For America, the Governor’s Council for Workforce Investment, MRA and the MMAC Leadership Council.

A new search for the property’s next CEO/General Manager will start immediately.

Rege Behe

Rege Behe brings more than 30 years of experience as a journalist to his role as a lead contributor to CDC Gaming. His work ranges from day-to-day industry coverage to deeper features such as the CDC Gaming Roundtables and the “10 Women Rising in Gaming” series.