01/30/2009

- CEO Smyth leaves River Rock

By Steve Hart- The Press Democrat

River Rock Casino CEO Shawn Smyth has left the post "to pursue other interests," the Dry Creek Pomo tribe said Monday.

He'll be replaced in the interim by John Cirrincione, who became the casino's chief operating officer in October. The tribe will begin a search for a new CEO and general manager, it said.

Smyth became CEO and general manager in 2006 and was paid $394,291 in 2007, according to the casino's most recent annual report.

The tribal casino in Alexander Valley reported $139 million in revenue in 2007.

Last October, the tribe shelved plans for a $300 million resort hotel and casino expansion because it couldn't finance the project in the tight credit market. Tribe officials said the project will move ahead when the economy improves.

River Rock Casino has 1,570 slot and video poker machines, 22 table games and a restaurant on the tribe's 75-acre reservation near Geyserville.