RENO, Nev. (Jan. 22, 2026) – Grand Sierra Resort (GSR) today announced that Shannon Keel, who has served as the resort’s general manager since 2017, has been promoted to president, effective immediately.
In her expanded role, Keel will oversee GSR’s $1 billion investment, including the upcoming 10,000-seat world-class arena, aqua golf complex and other major projects that will impact the Reno-Tahoe community for decades to come. She will maintain responsibility for existing resort and gaming operations while guiding the property’s long-term strategy, with a focus on the guest experience and team culture.
“Shannon is a proven leader who understands what it takes to operate at a high level while elevating the guest experience and livelihoods of our fantastic team members,” said Alex Meruelo, owner of Grand Sierra Resort. “She has helped strengthen GSR’s position in the market and has built strong relationships across our community. This promotion reflects the confidence we have in her leadership, especially as we move into a new phase for GSR. Shannon’s steady leadership and operational expertise will be key to delivering what’s next.”
Keel brings decades of gaming and hospitality experience spanning casino operations, hotel operations, marketing and player development. Before joining GSR, she served as CEO and general manager of Akwesasne Casino Resort and held leadership roles with Reserve Casino Hotel, Golden Entertainment, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe and Hyatt Regency Chicago.
“It’s an honor to step into this role at GSR,” Keel said. “This property is powered by an incredible team, and I’m proud of what we’ve done thus far. I’m focused on the future and creating new, exciting amenities and experiences for our guests, while supporting our team members and strengthening GSR’s connection to the community we call home.”
Keel holds a bachelor’s degree in business, management and marketing from California State University, Long Beach.
For more information about GSR, visit grandsierraresort.com.
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ABOUT GRAND SIERRA RESORT
Located in the heart of the beautiful Reno-Tahoe region, Grand Sierra Resort (GSR) is an all-encompassing casino-resort with nearly 2,000 guest rooms and suites, 200,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, 1,400 slot machines, 45 table games, a poker room featuring seven tables and the Infinity High Limit Room. The destination’s premier gaming property offers visitors a wide variety of amenities including the 2,500+ capacity, critically acclaimed Grand Theatre, home to Reno-Tahoe’s finest entertainment experience, more than a dozen delectable restaurant and dining choices including Charlie Palmer Steak and Lounge, a spa, branded retail shopping, a year-round outdoor pool and fire pit experience, Reno’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, a 58-lane bowling center and an aqua golf driving range. GSR is also in the midst of a $1 billion redevelopment project that will further expand and elevate the resort experience. GSR players can also enjoy the perks of an Infinity Rewards membership, a joint loyalty program between GSR and its sister resort SAHARA Las Vegas, that gives players the opportunity to earn and redeem rewards across both destinations. GSR is a minority-owned business certified by the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council. For more information, visit grandsierraresort.com or to make reservations call 1-800-648-5080.
