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Accomplished hospitality and gaming veteran returns to MGM National Harbor to usher in next era of entertainment destination
MGM National Harbor has named Chris Gumiela as its President & Chief Operating Officer (COO). His appointment follows the retirement of President & COO Melonie Johnson. Gumiela will oversee the property’s day-to-day operations, provide strategic direction with a renewed focus on employee engagement and community relations.
Gumiela brings more than 20 years of experience bridging physical and digital gaming environments. He previously served as Vice President of Marketing at MGM National Harbor from August 2017 through July 2020. Since 2021, he has served as Senior Vice President of Interactive Operations at MGM Resorts. In this role, he directed critical omnichannel alignment between the digital BetMGM business and land-based resorts, served on the five-member Steering Committee for LeoVegas, and was appointed to the MGM Resorts Capital Committee in 2026.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the DMV and look forward to expanding the ways MGM National Harbor serves as an entertainment capital for our region and a pillar in community engagement for Prince George’s County,” said Gumiela.
The role as President & COO marks a homecoming for Gumiela. Joining the leadership team shortly after the MGM National Harbor’s opening, he played a pivotal role in establishing the resort’s brand identity, driving nearly $1bn in property-wide revenue, and forging vital community and civic partnerships. He later expanded his regional impact as Vice President of Marketing & Advertising for the Regional Portfolio, overseeing marketing strategy and operational efficiencies for both MGM National Harbor and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.
Gumiela first joined MGM Resorts in 2006 as a member of the Management Associate Program (MAP), gaining extensive cross-functional training in all areas of hotel and resort operations at Mandalay Bay. During his time with MGM Resorts, he has steadily risen through key leadership roles, including Slot Marketing & Analytics Analyst, Casino Marketing Manager, Director of Operations for Corporate Marketing, Executive Director of Corporate Marketing Operations, and Vice President of Brand Strategy for Monte Carlo Resort & Casino (now Park MGM).
