NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., (February 12, 2016) – MGM National Harbor, the world-class integrated destination, is pleased to announce that Michael J. Pappas has been hired to the role of Vice President and General Counsel.  He will be the resort’s senior attorney responsible for legal affairs. 

In this new role, Pappas will be the senior legal executive on the MGM National Harbor property and responsible for all legal affairs in the operation of the MGM National Harbor resort casino, which is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2016. Pappas’s role will include ensuring property operations are in compliance with state and federal regulations and laws which he will manage through the property’s compliance department. Pappas will also oversee risk management for the property.

 “We are excited to have an experienced attorney like Mike Pappas on board our team,” said Lorenzo Creighton, President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM National Harbor. “His work in commercial real estate development construction and commercial law in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. will be a valuable asset for MGM National Harbor. We are delighted to have someone with his strong credentials and background leading our legal team.”

 “I have worked in the construction and commercial space for years, however, working on a project of this scale presents a new challenge that I look forward to tackling, ” said Pappas. “As a guy who grew up in Maryland, I know how important a project like this is to the local economy.  I look forward to working with the terrific team that MGM Resorts International is building at National Harbor. ” 

 Pappas, a Maryland native, joins the MGM National Harbor team from the law firm Miles & Stockbridge P.C. where he served as a Principal in its Baltimore and Washington, D.C offices focusing in real estate development, construction law, commercial business law, and government contracts. Mr. Pappas also served as Chair of the Maryland State Bar Association Construction Law Section and currently serves on the Maryland State Bar Association, Committee on Law Reform.

 Mr. Pappas is a graduate of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.  He holds a B. S. degree in Business/Government from the University of South Carolina Upstate.  Prior to attending law school, Pappas was a firefighter and a Nationally Registered Paramedic. 

 Among Pappas’s immediate responsibilities is to continue MGM National Harbor’s successes in contracting with Minority Business Enterprises (MBE’s).  MGM National Harbor continues to have great results in hiring MBE’s for the $1.4 billion project and Mike will be an instrumental leader in MGM National Harbor’s efforts to ensure that its results continue beyond construction and into operations. 

 Pappas is a strong believer in public service.  He serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Tranzed Alliance which oversees: the Children’s Guild, Inc. (special needs day schools, behavioral support services, family life education treatment and foster care programs, and the Academy-group living program for girls and boys); Monarch Academy Public Charter Schools; The Upside Down Organization; the National At-Risk Education Network, and the National Children’s Guild Fund.