Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Celebrates 2024 Caesars Founders Award Recipients
(MARICOPA, Ariz. – May 24, 2023) Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino hosted its annual Caesars Entertainment Years of Service Event at The Events Center on May 7. In addition to acknowledging 84 Team Members with tenures from 5 to 30 years, the occasion also celebrated the 2024 Caesars Founders Award recipients.
The 2024 Caesars Founders Awards recognize the outstanding achievements and exceptional contributions of exemplary Team Members. This year’s awards recognized individuals who regularly and consistently delivered best-in-class service to Harrah’s Ak-Chin guests and internal Team Members while demonstrating Caesars core values in three categories:
- Blaze the Trail: Team Member exemplifies leadership, integrity and ownership
- All-In On Service: Team Member exemplifies fun, service and connection
- Together We Win: Team Member exemplifies inclusion, care and teamwork
“The annual Founders Awards and Years of Service event is my favorite event of the year,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager Michael Kintner. “Now as we approach our 30th Anniversary, we continue to honor and celebrate the dedication of our loyal team members, some of whom have been with us since we first opened our doors in 1994. In addition to length of service we also honor the outstanding achievements and exceptional contributions of Harrah’s Ak-Chin team members that go above and beyond to ensure that our guests feel like they are a part of our family. The Founders Award recipients represent the best of the best and I am extremely proud of their efforts.”
The 2024 Founders Award honorees are:
Blaze The Trail
- Evelina Chavez, Facilities
- Anthony Gonzalez, Hotel
- Barbara Achten, Casino Cashiering
All-In On Service
- Denise Kelly, Transportation
- Gustavo Garcia, Beverage
- Shelly Christian, Caesars Rewards
Together We Win
- Elvira Ramos, Security
- Joseph Bedell, Culinary
- Shalini Prasad, Hotel
In further recognition of her commitment to customer service, Achten was selected to represent Harrah’s Ak-Chin as its Regional Winner in the Blaze the Trail category and will go on to compete for a companywide distinction at the national level.
“I’m honored to receive this distinction,” said Achten. “While the recognition means a lot and motivates me to continuously find ways to excel in my role, I’m just happy to be a part of an amazing team. They inspire me every day.”
Team Members from the past year who have reached significant Caesars Entertainment employment milestones were recognized during the event as well:
- 41 Team Members celebrating 5 years
- 23 Team Members celebrating 10 years
- 4 Team Members celebrating 15 years
- 10 Team Members celebrating 20 years
- 5 Team Members celebrating 25 years
- 1 Team Member celebrating 30 years
About Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino:
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, located in Maricopa, Arizona, proudly marks its 30th anniversary as the state’s first and only tribal casino with an international management partner. As part of the renowned Caesars Entertainment family, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino stands out as the sole casino in Arizona to offer guests the opportunity to unlock exclusive benefits and prizes through its esteemed Caesars Rewards program, valid worldwide across the entire Caesars’ family of casinos.
The casino offers an extensive array of gaming options, including Bingo, Craps, sports betting, slot machines, video poker, video Keno, statewide progressives, and blackjack.
In addition to its diverse gaming offerings, Harrah’s Ak-Chin provides a delightful culinary experience with dining options that include the Copper Cactus Grill, Chop, Block & Brew, Oak & Fork, Agave’s Restaurant, and Dunkin’®.
With 529 luxurious resort and tower guestrooms, a spa and fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool featuring a swim-up bar, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino offers an unparalleled resort experience.
Over its three-decade journey, Harrah’s Ak-Chin has earned recognition as a Most Admired Company by Arizona Business Magazine and Best Companies AZ. The Phoenix Business Journal has consistently acknowledged the property as one of the “Best Places to Work in the Valley” for four consecutive years. Further, Harrah’s Ak-Chin was honored with a Volunteer Service Award from the Arizona Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism.
As the casino celebrates its 30th anniversary, Harrah’s Ak-Chin remains committed to providing a world-class entertainment experience while contributing positively to the local community.
For more information about Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, please visit www.harrahsakchin.com. Guests must be 21 or older to gamble. Remember to “Know When To Stop Before You Start.®” If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-NEXT STEP. ©2024, Caesars License Company, LLC.