Photo Credit: Justin Grasso, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts

(Yonkers, NY) – One Riverdale resident has many milestones to celebrate, including Military Appreciation Month as a U.S. Air Force veteran; the upcoming 75th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Air Force; his promotion to Director of Facilities at Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts; and the green lighting of the  remaining commercial gaming licenses by New York State.

That Riverdale resident is Eric Daniels, whose time in the U.S. military helped shape and mold the leader he is today. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts announced today that Daniels was promoted to Director of Facilities of one of the largest gaming and entertainment facilities in the country, which recently celebrated its own 15th anniversary and the milestone of generating over $4 billion for education.  

Daniels is responsible for the maintenance of the entire physical plant, infrastructure, operating systems, and grounds, and leads the team that keeps the property running smoothly. While most of the nine million annual visitors at Empire City won’t likely see Daniels, they certainly benefit from his expertise. 

 “You don’t typically think about me unless something isn’t working,” said Daniels. 

Daniels learned much of the skills and discipline needed for a job of this magnitude from his time in the U.S. Air Force where he was stationed in Elmendorf, Alaska as an HVAC Technician. After serving in the Air Force, Daniels developed a career in property real estate, where he worked for more than a decade. He then joined the MGM Resorts team at MGM Detroit as a Kitchen and Refrigeration Repair Tech before advancing to Facilities Manager at MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. Daniels continues to develop his career within MGM Resorts, making the move to Empire City Casino and choosing Riverdale in the Bronx to call home before receiving his most recent promotion to Director of Facilities.   

“Eric represents the level of opportunity for leadership, growth and career development offered by MGM Resorts, as he continues to rise through the ranks of our global company with this well-deserved promotion,” said Ed Domingo, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. “MGM Resorts is committed to creating quality career opportunities for veterans, as well as providing our veteran customers with enhanced experiences through unique programs that highlight our ongoing and longstanding commitment to our country’s heroes.”

Daniels’ path clearly demonstrates the potential offered by MGM Resorts at their Empire City Casino property as it gears up to bid on one of the available commercial gaming licenses that are expected to be issued by the state in the near future. The project would be an economic boon for the region encompassing Westchester and the Bronx, delivering over $1 billion of economic activity, generating nearly 2,500 new positions at Empire City, an additional 10,000 indirect and induced new jobs in the region, and delivering hundreds of millions of dollars of private investment on the site that will create thousands of buildings and construction trade jobs.   

Daniels chose the Bronx as his new home because of its proximity to work, cultural diversity, incredible food options, and so much more. For more information, please visit www.empirecitycasino.com. Follow along with the latest Empire City updates on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 

About Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast, featuring nearly 4,700 of the hottest slots, electronic three card poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo table games. Empire City Casino also offers guests year-round harness racing and international simulcasting. A selection of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with fan favorite fare at The Pub, and convenient delicious options at Lil’ Cocina and the Big Kitchen International Food Court. Visit Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Empire City Casino is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200. 

Media Contacts:     

Josh Knoller, josh@nicholaslence.com, (201) 294-9586