Atlantic City's Borgata announces new president as part of MGM's shakeup

In the face of the COVD-19 pandemic, MGM Resorts International is implementing major changes that have ramifications at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, including a new property president.

Melonie Johnson has been appointed president of the Atlantic City property, taking over the role of outgoing Chief Operating Officer and President Marcus Glover.

Johnson, an industry veteran who has worked with MGM since 2015, moves to Borgata from her former position as president and COO of MGM National Harbor in Maryland. She helmed the $1.4 billion National Harbor since November 2017, taking over there about a year after its opening.

As reported by the Press of Atlantic City, Borgata also confirmed that Hugh Turner, former vice president of finance for the property since it opened, has been promoted to chief financial officer.

The moves were part of a senior leadership shift across the country and an overall restructuring at MGM related to longtime CEO Jim Murren stepping down last month and replaced by William Hornbuckle.

The company is regrouping properties under single leadership, consolidating executives to run multiple properties. Atlantic City is grouped in the “Mid-Atlantic” list of MGM properties with National Harbor, but both properties are retaining their own president and CFO.

The move reduces the number of resort presidents and other key positions. Under the changes, five presidents will have leadership over MGM’s 12 Las Vegas Strip casinos and five presidents will lead eight MGM properties in seven other states.

Melonie Johnson formerly served as president and COO of Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi, and has served in executive positions for Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia, Hollywood Casino Aurora in Illinois, and Caesars Entertainment Corporation. Her move to Borgata is subject to New Jersey licensing.