Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank Chris Kelley for his commitment and dedicated efforts leading MGM Springfield over the past few years, especially during the height of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic which saw the casino close its door and then reopen but under strict state mandates and with limited capacity. Through it all, Chris and his team were the utmost professional and helped to keep the operations going strong under a difficult and challenging situation. Special shoutout to Chris and his MGM Springfield team for stepping up and rescuing the Mayflower Marathon, Rock 102 Bax and Nagle, to aide Open Pantry and families in need with record breaking food and monetary donations on their property. Chris will be moving out west to be closer to his family, and I wish him continued success and all the best in all of his future endeavors.”
“I want to welcome incoming President and COO Louie Theros to the great City of Springfield. My administration had a great working relationship with Chris Kelley and I am looking forward to continuing this good partnership with Louie as he takes the helm of one of the most important economic development institutions in our city and downtown neighborhood. Louie brings a wealth of experience in the industry, having most recently served as the vice president and legal counsel for MGM Resorts property in Detroit, Michigan. I have the utmost confidence that he’ll ‘hit the ground running’ and continue the strong leadership and partnership between MGM Springfield, the City of Springfield, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and all of our community stakeholders as we look to bring even more excitement and energy in 2024 and beyond.”
“On a side note, Louie is proud of his Greek heritage and I am looking forward to sharing and celebrating with him our communities wonderful Glendi Festivities that are held in September at our Greek Cultural Center at St. George Cathedral in the North End,” Mayor Sarno add.
