Four Winds Casinos appoints Clayton Mason as interim COO

Four Winds Casinos, owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, has announced a change in its leadership team with the departure of Frank Freedman as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Clayton Mason, the company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will assume the role of interim COO during this transition period while also retaining his current position.

The news of the leadership change was made public earlier this week by Four Winds Casino. In a statement, it was revealed that Freedman has decided to leave the company to pursue other interests.

Rebecca Richards, the chairwoman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, expressed gratitude to Freedman for his significant contributions and highlighted his instrumental role in the expansion of Four Winds South Bend.

"On behalf of the Pokagon Gaming Authority and the Pokagon Band Tribal Council, we would like to sincerely thank Frank Freedman for his 16 years of service to our Four Winds Casinos, including serving as COO over the last eight years," said Richards in a prepared statement.

"Frank has made significant contributions to our gaming enterprise over the years, and his presence will be missed."

Four Winds Casino Resort, which opened in New Buffalo in 2007, has since expanded to include Indiana and Michigan locations in Hartford in 2011, Dowagiac in 2013, and South Bend in 2018. 

Expressing confidence in Clayton Mason's ability to lead, Richards stated: "We have the utmost confidence in Clayton Mason who will continue to serve as CFO as well as interim COO. Clayton has been a member of our executive leadership team for many years, and he is well-qualified to serve in dual roles until we name a replacement."