Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino General Manager Robert Livingston announced Caesars Award of Excellence winners at the Ak-Chin property. All but one are Maricopa residents.

April Stovall received the leadership award in Facilities & Surveillance. Called the “expansion champion,” she was the liaison between the construction company and internal stakeholders. “She works tirelessly to keep the construction company on track and hold them to the quality she knows Harrah’s Ak-Chin deserves.”

Also receiving the leadership award was Gwendolyn Perrin in Housekeeping. Livingston said she inspires her team to perform at a high level, maintaining productivity and quality standards. “She makes it routine to visit her team members often as they clean rooms, always lending a hand, rewarding hard work and documenting concerns.”

Chris Pablo in Warehouse received the award for superior internal service. He started as a Harrah’s Development System associate before interning in the warehouse. “When his team is in need of help, he steps up to the plate.”

Christopher Walker in Facilities was also awarded for superior internal service. He enjoys problem-solving and is often heard humming or singing 1980s music under his breath once a task is completed. “Chris remains calm under pressure and handles himself in a professional manner, regardless of the situation.”

Brian Pape in Facilities received the award for innovation. You can see many of his “masterpieces” throughout the casino such as the cactus and chips display on the promenade, the new slots cabinets on the gaming floor and the new slot machines counter in front of live Keno. “He is able to create, build, recycle and develop at about half the cost if not less than what it would cost to actually purchase.”

Christi Montes in Executive received the award for community service. She volunteered almost 200 hours in 2017 and then volunteered 607 hours in 2018. “Some of the organizations Christi helps had some wonderful words to say about her. One said, ‘I look forward to working with her each event. I wish I had 20 more like her.’”

Linda Hunter in the Gift Shop won the award in the suggest category. Her ability to recommend add-ons at the register, complimentary items on the floor and perfect gift items contributed to both increased service scores and sales up 12.6 percent over prior year. “You will not find an employee more passionate about the products and services that we offer.”

Mario Cardenas of Chandler received the award for superior guest service. He created, fostered and evolved many relationships with VIP guests. “Mario is always going above and beyond to help our guests; he has been known to drive tickets to customers on his way home.”

This story appears in the July issue of InMaricopa.

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