Alex Alvarado

Alex Alvarado is a seasoned executive in the gaming industry, currently serving as the Vice President of Casino Operations at MGM National Harbor, a luxury resort and casino located in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area.

Background and Education

• Born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents from Guatemala, Alvarado spent part of his childhood in Guatemala before returning to the United States.24
• He holds an Associate of Science degree in Network Systems from ITT Technical Institute (2000-2002), a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix (2003-2007), and a Master of Hospitality (MHA) degree in Gaming Management from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (2022-2024).13

Career

• Alvarado has over 15 years of experience in the gaming industry. He began his career in IT but transitioned to the gaming sector after working on a project installing Wi-Fi in Las Vegas hotels, which led to an offer from MGM Resorts International.4
• He has held various leadership roles at several prominent gaming companies, including MGM Resorts International, Penn National Gaming, Florida Gaming Corporation/Casino Miami, The Mirage, MGM Grand, Aristocrat Technologies, and NRT Technology Corp..134
• At MGM National Harbor, he oversees the strategic and operational aspects of the casino division, managing a team of 1,400 employees and achieving significant revenue milestones, such as $740 million in Gross Gaming Revenue in 2018.14

Certifications and Additional Roles

• Alvarado holds several certifications from LinkedIn, including Cybersecurity Foundations, Cybersecurity for Executives, Design Thinking: Customer Experience, and Building Your Marketing Technology Stack.13
• He is also a board member for Junior Achievement of Greater Washington.13

Personal and Professional Philosophy

• Alvarado values teamwork, continuous improvement, and work-life balance. He emphasizes the importance of developing great people and driving outcomes through them. He also believes in creating a collaborative work environment where everyone is part of the problem-solving process.4
• He is a self-proclaimed "casino aficionado," a professional salsa dancer, and an aspiring life coach. Alvarado enjoys activities such as drinking great coffee, dancing, and grilling in his free time.3

Language Proficiency

• Alvarado is fluent in both English and Spanish.3

Overall, Alex Alvarado is a highly experienced and innovative leader in the gaming industry, known for his strategic vision, team-oriented approach, and commitment to excellence in hospitality and gaming operations.