River Spirit Casino, one of Oklahoma’s premier gaming & entertainment facilities, owned and operated by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, has announced Shawn S. Smyth as the new General Manager, effective June 15, 2009. With the opening of the new River Spirit Casino, South Tulsa’s upscale gaming facility, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is excited to bring new leadership on board. Smyth is a veteran Casino/Hotel/Resort executive with a proven record of success in both Tribal and non-Tribal properties. Smyth’s leadership experience and track record of positively impacting properties, as well as his success in resort master planning, design, construction, staffing, training, and openings are the exact qualities that River Spirit Casino was looking for to launch them into the future. “The Board looks forward to a seamless transition in management and is confident that River Spirit Casino will continue to succeed under the leadership of Shawn Smyth,” said Brant Beaver, Chairman of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Gaming Operations Authority Board. Before joining the team at River Spirit Casino, Smyth has most recently made a positive impact in Geyserville, California as the CEO of the River Rock Entertainment Authority and the General Manager of the River Rock Casino. Prior to his leadership role at River Rock, Smyth served as the General Manger at the Paradise Casinos located in Yuma, Arizona and Seven Feathers Hotel Casino Resort in Southern Oregon. Commenting on his appointment, Smyth said, “I am very enthusiastic about joining the River Spirit Casino team and also working with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. I believe that I will be a great fit at this property and look forward to contributing to its success and growth.”