Stephen Thayer joins Palms Casino Resort as new GM

Most recently, Thayer was GM of Strat Hotel Casino & Tower in Las Vegas.
San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA), which currently runs the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, has announced the appointment of Stephen Thayer as GM of the property, effective September 16. The Palms is the first casino resort in Las Vegas to be fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe.
“We are delighted to welcome Stephen to Palms,” SMGHA Chairperson Latisha Prieto said.
“His leadership style and professional accomplishments speak volumes about his ability to lead and innovate and his enthusiasm for activating on our Tribal values at Palms make him the ideal candidate to guide this wonderful property into the next chapter.”
Most recently, Thayer was GM of Strat Hotel Casino & Tower, overseeing property enhancements, renovations and being responsible for elevating the service culture. Previously, he spent many years leading hotel operations for Caesars in both Atlantic City and Las Vegas.
“I am honored to be working with the SMGHA and Palms in continuing to make Palms the place to stay and play in Las Vegas,” Thayer said.
“I look forward to collaborating with the Tribe and team members for an unmatched guest experience. Creating and fostering a sense of community is at the forefront of Palms culture and I am eager to contribute to that vision.”
Under his new role, Thayer will be responsible for overseeing all operations of Palms Casino Resort under SMGHA, an instrumentality of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
On June 7, former Palms GM Cynthia Kiser Murphey resigned from the position, according to a local report in the Las Vegas-Review Journal.
The veteran casino executive said she is leaving Palms so that she could spend more time with out-of-state family.
Kiser Murphey first joined the Palms’ leadership team after the casino resort was purchased by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in 2021 from Red Rock Resorts. The Tribe purchased the property for $650m.
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