G. Michael “Mickey” Brown stepped down last week as chairman of Empire Resorts. A release from the company cited health reasons. In his place, the board appointed Emanuel Pearlman as the non-executive chairman of the board of directors and CEO Joseph D'Amato as a member of the board.

Empire Resorts Lead Director James Simon said Brown’s health was the board’s primary concern.

“The company fully supports Mickey Brown’s decision to step down as chairman of the board so he can devote all of his time and energy toward improving his health,” said Simon. “Mickey has been an excellent board member for Empire Resorts. His valuable time, talent, passion and wisdom helped stabilize the company. While we regret seeing him leave, we are pleased that Manny Pearlman has agreed to serve as chairman and we are also happy to have our CEO Joseph D’Amato join the board.”

Brown’s notable career includes a stint as head of the Division of Gaming Enforcement in New Jersey in the early years of casino gaming there, directing the development of Foxwoods Casino Resort from a bingo hall to a full-blown casino, developing the gaming business for the Seneca tribe, helping the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma build and operate the Downstream casino resort and much more.

Pearlman is the founder and CEO of Liberation Investment Group, a New York-based investment management and financial consulting firm. His experience in the gaming industry includes serving as a consultant for Jackpot Enterprises, Inc. and Bally Entertainment Corp.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.