Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Celebrates 2026 Caesars Founders Award Recipients and Team Members for Caesars Entertainment Years of Service

(MARICOPA, Ariz. – May 19, 2026) Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino hosted its annual Caesars Entertainment Years of Service Event at The Events Center on May 5. In addition to acknowledging 60 Team Members with tenures from 5 to 30 years, the occasion also celebrated the 2026 Caesars Founders Award recipients.

The 2026 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

“Recognizing our employees during the Founders Awards and Years of Service celebration is one of the highlights of the year,” said Michael Kintner, Senior Vice President and General Manager. “This event gives us the opportunity to honor the individuals whose loyalty and hard work have helped shape our organization from the very beginning. It’s also a chance to celebrate team members whose passion and commitment create exceptional experiences for every guest. The recipients of the Founders Awards represent the very best of our culture, and we are grateful for the impact they make every day.”

The 2026 Founders Award honorees are:

Blaze The Trail

• Andrew Haynes, Facilities Supervisor
• Juan Covarrubia, I.T. Market Engineer II
• Brian Gutherman, Culinary Room Chef

All-In On Service

• Edgar Garcia, Security Supervisor
• Laurie Youngling, Gift Shop Clerk
• Gilbert Bandin, Warehouse Supervisor

Together We Win

• Linda Savage, Beverage Supervisor
• Robert Loewen, Casino Operations Assistant Manager
• Taylor Johns, Convention Services Coordinator

Team Members from the past year who have reached significant Caesars Entertainment employment milestones were also recognized during the event:

• 18 Team Members celebrating 5 years

• 18 Team Members celebrating 10 years
• 7 Team Members celebrating 15 years
• 10 Team Members celebrating 20 years
• 3 Team Members celebrating 25 years
• 4 Team Members celebrating 30 years

About Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino: 

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, located in Maricopa, Arizona, is 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, 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, Dunkin’® and the new Caesars Sportsbar.

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 the past three decades, Harrah’s Ak-Chin has built a reputation for excellence, earning numerous accolades along the way. It has been named a Most Admired Company by Arizona Business Magazine and BestCompaniesAZ, and was recognized by Caesars Entertainment as one of the Top 1,000 Employers in the United States. The Phoenix Business Journal has consistently honored Harrah’s Ak-Chin as one of the Best Places to Work in the Valley, while the community of Maricopa has voted it Best Employer in the Crème de la Copa awards. On a national level, Tripadvisor named Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino a Travelers’ Choice Award winner. Additionally, the property received a Volunteer Service Award from the Arizona Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, highlighting its ongoing commitment to community engagement.

As the casino approaches its 32^nd 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. ©2026, Caesars License Company, LLC.