New marketing director fits in at Eagle Mountain

Gaming industry veteran Matthew Mingrone is fitting right in at Eagle Mountain Casino as the company’s new Marketing Director.

The Pennsylvania native has spent his first month and a half at Eagle Mountain getting in touch with community organizations. Tuesday, he played Santa for a host of children from the Tule River Indian Tribe.

He was selected from a nationwide pool of candidates as a replacement for Robert DeLaRosa, who is now Chief Communications Officer for the United Way of Fresno County.

Casino General Manager Tom Stewart said he chose Mingrone from a large pool of contenders as far flung as Florida because of his extensive experience in the gaming industry.

“It’s one of those positions you need to know a little bit of everything,” Stewart said.

Mingrone has more than 18 years of experience in marketing within the gaming industry, and has served as the marketing director for a number of casinos.

Stewart said Mingrone’s “conscientious, knowledgeable and organized” nature put him a cut above the rest in the hiring process.

His most recent post was as marketing director for Tri State Racetrack and Casino in West Virginia.

During his career, Mingrone has also served as Marketing Director for Bay Mills Resort and Casinos in Brimley, Michigan, Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey, Michigan and Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, Oregon.

As Eagle Mountain’s marketing director, Mingrone will be in charge of all marketing and entertainment for the property.

Stewart said Mingrone’s family, including his two children, will join him in Porterville after the New Year’s holiday.

Mingrone holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kent State University.

-- Contact Sarah de Crescenzo at 784-5000, Ext. 1045, or sdecrescenzo@portervillerecorder.com.