Rush Street Gaming has named former Atlantic City casino executive Joe Lodise as the new general manager of Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady.
The move was announced by Rush Street on April 21, with April 24 being Lodise’s first day on the job. However, Lodise’s role with the NY casino still awaits approval from the New York State Gaming Commission.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Joe to the Rush Street Gaming family and Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady,” Tim Drehkof, CEO of Rush Street, said in a statement.
“His over 15-years of gaming and hospitality experience in highly competitive markets, along with his exceptional leadership skills, financial acumen, and support of community initiatives makes him a perfect fit for Rivers Schenectady.”
Lodise’s history in the gaming industry
Rush Street and Rivers Schenectady landed a new general manager with a history of success in the gaming industry. Lodise most recently served as the senior vice president and general manager at Caesars in Atlantic City.
One of his top accomplishments at Caesars involved overseeing a $200 million reconstruction project. This included an upgraded casino floor and hotel, as well as a new outdoor pool and restaurant.
Lodise got his start with Caesars Entertainment in 2007 as the operations manager at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City. He then earned a promotion to vice president of finance.
Soon after, Lodise relocated to Mississippi to assume a role as Horseshoe Tunica’s assistant general manager and vice president of finance. Eventually, Lodise climbed up to senior vice president and general manager.
Before working in the gaming and hospitality space, Lodise — raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and a Villanova graduate — spent more than a decade working in various financial services roles for Vanguard Group.
Rivers NY casino commended for workplace environment
Lodise joins an award-winning staff at Rivers Schenectady.
The casinos recently earned a spot on Times-Union’s list of top workplaces in upstate New York. It marks the sixth straight year that Rivers cracked the list.
To determine the top workplaces in upstate New York, employees rate their companies in a variety of areas. So the awards are entirely voted upon by the workers.
While also boasting growing staff that enjoys “exceptional” benefits, according to a release from Rivers, the casino also gives back to the community. In 2022, for example, Rivers gave over $238,000 in goods, services and cash donations to a over 50 charitable and community organizations.
“At Rivers it’s more than just a job, and we always focus on the ongoing professional development and personal growth of the team so they can achieve their goals,” said Linda Waters, vice president of human resources at Rivers Casino. “This award is truly a celebration of our team members who not only deliver outstanding service to our guests, they give back to the community.”
