Oaklawn President Charles Cella announced today the addition of Wayne Smith as assistant general manager, a position designed to better the gaming and racing facility for the future.
Cella said Oaklawn interviewed many applicants from across the country during a year-long search. Smith stood out because of a broad range of experience that includes accounting, finance, regulatory compliance, hospitality, racing and gaming, all at the highest levels.
A native of Rhode Island and graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, Smith began his career in corporate accounting and finance with ITT Sheraton before taking similar positions with MGM Grand and Caesar’s Entertainment. He subsequently moved into operations, first with Empire City Racing and Gaming in New York and more recently with Penn National in Illinois.
Smith was on the board of the Joliet Catholic Academy in Illinois and was chairman of the Will County Center for Economic Development in Illinois.
"This is an exciting opportunity," Smith said in a news release. "Oaklawn is one of the most respected racing and gaming companies in all of America. The Cella name is highly regarded throughout the industry. And, it is simply an honor to be able to join such a remarkable operation and family company."
Smith will join Oaklawn before the end of the current racing season that runs through Saturday, April 16.
