Jamul Casino Resort Appoints First CEO to Advance as Newcomer in Competitive San Diego Market

San Diego’s Jamul Casino Resort has appointed Chris Kelley as its first CEO. The move comes as the tribal operation, open since 2016, positions itself in one of the country’s most competitive counties against operators with a 30-year head start. According to reporting by CDC Gaming, Kelley embraces the “new kid on the block” dynamic as the property builds on its August 2025 hotel opening.

Erica M. Pinto, Jamul chairwoman, said the tribe sought “fresh eyes” in hiring Kelley, describing him as dynamic, brilliant, and a perfect fit. Kelley previously managed MGM Springfield in Massachusetts and Empire City Casino in New York. His career began at Viejas Casino Resort, about 30 miles east of San Diego, where he served as chief financial officer and general manager. He also worked at Hard Rock Casino Tejon in Bakersfield.

Experience Meets Tribal Priorities

The hotel addition and resulting economic diversification drew Kelley to the role. He called becoming CEO for this tribe “a wonderful gift” and “an opportunity that you don’t see happen in a career once.” When Jamul opened 10 years ago, Pinto said, there were only five or six casinos in the market. The tribe turned to gaming to improve lives and create a destination for visitors to play, eat, and stay.

Revenue, Retention, and Community Obligations

Casino proceeds fund education, healthcare, elders, youth programs, road improvements, local schools, and non-tribal organizations. Kelley noted an increased sense of responsibility because many tribal services depend on this revenue. At a recent 10-year anniversary event, 108 of 600 Day One team members from 2016 still worked at the property. Pinto called the resulting impacts rewarding for the “small but mighty nation of Jamul” and the broader community.

Kelley’s regional knowledge and external perspective will shape how Jamul sustains retention and revenue generation while competing against longer-established peers.