John J. James currently serves as Chief Operating Officer Executive for Morongo Casino Resort & Spa located in Cabazon, California. Morongo Band of Mission Indians owns and operates many enterprises within the Morongo Indian Community but not limited to Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Tukwet Canyon Champions Golf Course, Canyon Bowling Lanes, Fueling Station and Car Wash, Power Generating Plant, etc.
As a University of Nevada accounting graduate, Mr. James has more than twenty-five years of proactive leadership experience as a seasoned casino executive having led several teams throughout the country resulting in a reputation as being one of the most creative and innovative executives in the gaming industry. Mr. James consistently exhibits strong execution skills, a proven ability to lead top performing teams and an impressive track record in driving record revenues and profitability. He has created a vision and direction for numerous casino projects spanning his career including the award winning design and development at the new Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino, which opened in July of 2013.
His processes in strong financial accounting and reporting, creative marketing initiatives, and construction development have been admired and implemented in numerous gaming entities throughout the country, and have truly established an unparalleled industry standard within the field of gaming.
Prior to joining Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc., Mr. James was Chief Executive Officer for Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. where he led the tribe’s three casinos in achieving the highest recorded earnings in the State of Arizona. He served as Chief Operating Officer for Seminole Gaming, Inc. where he led the tribe’s seven casinos including two world-renowned Hard Rock Casinos. He also led Pechanga Resort and Casino as their chief executive with an impressive track record for one of the highest recorded earnings in the history of tribal gaming in the United States. Mr. James also served as a Vice President and General Manager for various successful Station Casinos properties.