Rush Street Gaming appoints hospitality veteran as new COO
Cliff Ehrlich takes on the executive role after more than 30 years working in hospitality and casinos, replacing the retiring Bill Keena in the process
Rush Street Gaming has named former tribal gaming exec and hospitality sector stalwart Cliff Ehrlich as the company’s new COO.
Ehrlich will succeed current COO Bill Keena, who is set to leave the role and retire before the end of the year.
Keena was named COO in June 2022 having served as general manager at a host of Rush Street Gaming casinos since 2011.
The new COO’s appointment is effective immediately, with Keena remain in a consultancy role through the fall to “ensure a smooth transition.”
Prior to joining Rush Street Gaming, Ehrlich spent six years working for the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, two of which he spent as the company’s COO from September 2022.
Before taking on the executive role, he served as the general manager for Northern Edge and Flowing Water casinos.
In addition to spending three years as general manager for Downs Casino and Racetrack between 2015 and 2018, Ehrlich held a management consultant role at Mohegan Sun from 2014 to 2015.
The longest spell of his career came at Monticello Casino and Raceway, where he worked for 17 years from 1996 to 2013 in various roles such as general manager, president, and COO.
He also spent six years as the owner/general manager of Pines Resort Hotel and Conference Center from 1990 to 1996.
Speaking about his appointment, Ehrlich said: “I’ve admired Rush Street’s strong leadership and steady expansion over the past two decades.
“I’m thrilled to join this dynamic organization and look forward to contributing to the company’s ongoing success.”
Rush Street Gaming CEO Tim Drehkoff added: “Cliff’s ground-up casino development experience, deep operations background and team leadership ensure that all five Rivers Casino properties remain in great hands.
“He will continue the strong forward momentum established by Bill Keena, for whom we wish the very best in retirement.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.