EMERGING LEADERS
Inspiring Journey
Shannon Semenuk
Director of Slot Operations , Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Shannon Semenuk ’ s career in the gaming industry began in 2005 when she started as a slot customer service representative , and the atmosphere of operations on the gaming floor has been inspiring her for the prior 18 years as she ’ s worked her way up to director of slot operations at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa .
In her early days at the property , strong networking connections with the team not only offset Semenuk ’ s lack of experience as a young professional , but also greatly benefited her on the road to a senior executive position .
“ My desire to create respectful , professional and meaningful relationships with my peers helped jump-start me on the road to success , and connecting with those who were ambitious and shared the same values created a network of people who have helped me along the way ,” she says .
Additionally , continuing to build connections through mentorship is very important to her . As a mentor in the “ Women in Leadership ” program at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa , she leverages the opportunity to help others in the organization . Semenuk also highly values the team environment at the workplace . “ We have an amazing learning and training culture here ,” she says . “ It has provided limitless opportunities for me throughout the years that I truly believe have assisted with my advancement .”
In her advice to fellow young professionals , Semenuk encourages all to “ keep measurable goals and hold yourself accountable to them , and continue working harder by going above and beyond .” Looking back on her career path , she attributes a lot to “ getting out of her comfort zone .”
Although finding the motivation to leave comfort is hard , the more one is stuck in the comfort zone , the more opportunities are to be missed . “ Once you push yourself out of your comfort zone , that ’ s where you will see the most growth ,” says Semenuk . “ Moreover , cherish the commitment to a journey , not just goals .” She recalls how going back to school and graduating from college was a personal goal she had set for herself .
At the time , she kept thinking about how proud she would be once she received the degree . Looking back on it now , she says , “ It was truly all about the journey getting there .”
Envisioning the gaming industry of tomorrow , Semenuk thinks gaming will continue to grow and to evolve at a rapid pace . With the advancement of technology , casinos are now able to offer many more exciting and authentic experiences to guests . She would like to work together with industry fellows to innovate conventional concepts and to help open doors for more emerging leaders and young professionals .
In her spare time , Semenuk enjoys being a team member resource group officer for Caregivers at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa , and caregiving has impacted her life drastically .
“ Knowing that my family can count on me is something I hold close to my heart ,” she says . Additionally , she is part of an all-women organization in Tampa that focuses on volunteering in the local community , where she truly finds it rewarding to use her years of experience as a caregiver , and where her volunteer efforts make the world a better place for all . — Michael Zhu , The Innovation Group
From Marketing to Sports
Kyle Piasecki
Head of Partnerships , Playmaker / Better Collective
Kyle Piasecki frequented Atlantic City growing up . Celebratory dinners . Concerts with his parents . The family home in Voorhees a mere 45 minutes away . “ The casinos were always larger than life to me as a kid ,” he says .
His aunt , Luann Pappas , also inspired his interest . Pappas spent 30 years at Harrah ’ s and Caesars , from retail clerk to executive .
“ Sometimes she would pick me up to stay with her for the weekend and we would have dinner in the casino steakhouse , where we would sit for hours while she held court ,” Piasecki says . “ I ’ d watch her making business decisions , chatting with customers and having meetings with executives . I took it all in , and while most kids may have dreamed about being a firefighter , I always wanted to be a casino executive .”
But Piasecki had other options after Rutgers . He joined his father at his construction business . “ I also had a marketing business that I started in college ,” he says . “ I wanted to keep it running because it satisfied my deal-making passions .”
Piasecki brought in a partner to help run the marketing portion . They launched a nightlife website . “ We had numerous contracts with Atlantic City bars and nightclubs to book talent , plan events , and promote the venues to our email database ,” he says . “ We started consulting for bars and restaurants and expanded to cover Philadelphia .”
The recession of 2008 took its toll . By 2011 , both businesses shut down .
“ Desperate for a job in 2011 , I went to work for Hyatt as a housekeeping supervisor to get some corporate hospitality experience ,” Piasecki says . “ After a year and a half at Hyatt I landed a hospitality host role at Harrah ’ s Philadelphia . Within a few months , I was promoted to a full casino host with my own book of business .”
38 Global Gaming Business SEPTEMBER 2023