Atlantic City: Borgata appoints former The Mirage exec as new VP Human Resources

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey, has appointed Rick Berninger as vice president of human resources. Under his new role, Berninger will be tasked with overseeing the resort’s human resources initiatives as he works to improve and streamline critical organizational performance in the areas of employee engagement and guest service.

“Rick brings over two decades of experience within the hospitality industry to this role, making him an ideal fit for this position,” Travis Lunn, president & COO of Borgata, said on Monday. “I’m looking forward to seeing all that he will accomplish as he continues to help us elevate Atlantic City as the premier East Coast destination for hospitality professionals.”

Berning will also be in charge of managing talent acquisition and compliance with corporate policies, procedures and programs, according to Borgata. The executive, who holds a degree from Michigan State University, also has years of experience within the sector.

Most recently, Berninger served as Director of Talent Management at The Mirage in Las Vegas where he led the Human Resources function and was instrumental in coaching and driving leaders for results. Prior to that, he held positions at MGM Grand Detroit, Luxor Hotel & Casino and Primm Valley Casino Resorts.

Outside of his traditional work scope, the executive enjoys participating in multiple MGM Resorts International employee networking groups including EnAble, a group committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations for qualified talent individuals with disabilities, and the veterans group, Borgata says.

“I am thrilled to relocate to Atlantic City and explore all that this vibrant destination has to offer,” Berninger said in a statement. “It’s an honor to join the incredibly talented Borgata team, and I can’t wait to jump right in.” Once settled, Berninger plans to be active in the local Atlantic City community, according to a press release.

Earlier this year, MGM Resorts announced the appointment of Travis Lunn as Borgata’s new President and COO. The veteran casino executive comes from serving as the Southeast Group President and Chief Operating Officer for MGM Resorts, where he led Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi.

The new property president took over the role in replacement of Melonie Johnson, who returned to MGM National Harbor casino in Maryland as president and COO, a job she held before joining the Borgata in 2020.

Travis Lunn, Borgata President and COO

“It’s an honor to be joining this incredibly talented team,” Lunn said in January. “Borgata is a world-class resort destination with a brand recognized nationwide for its spectacular accommodations, culinary program and entertainment offerings. I can’t wait to jump in and connect with all of the employees, guests and local community members.”

Borgata is Atlantic City's top-performing casino. Over the first 11 months of last year, it won more than $1 billion in total gambling revenue, including in-person table and slot winnings; internet gambling and sports betting. That is about twice the revenue of its closest competitor, Hard Rock Atlantic City.

In February, Borgata’s president announced the venue is set to undergo renovation. The property will revamp its hotel room offering and install new slot machines, among other changes, in an effort to retain its market leadership position.