Chicago, Illinois, United States, May 2025 – Mary Ann Mantia has joined Bally’s Chicago as the Vice President of Human Resources – Chicago Region, a critical appointment as the flagship casino and resort prepares for its grand launch in downtown Chicago. In this strategic leadership role, she will spearhead all HR operations across the region, overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, and HR strategy in a complex, unionized environment.
Her focus will be on building the HR framework that supports Bally’s Chicago’s expansion, driving a people-first culture while aligning with operational excellence in one of the most ambitious entertainment developments in the region.
Prior to joining Bally’s, Mary Ann served as Vice President of Human Resources at Caesars Entertainment, where she played a pivotal role in shaping workforce development, DEI practices, and employee engagement across multiple locations. Her tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on building a future-ready organization through innovation, inclusivity, and people-centric practices.
Earlier, she led human resources at Oaklawn Jockey Club as Vice President of Human Resources, where she was responsible for preparing the organization’s people strategy in advance of a major resort expansion. Her leadership in areas such as HRIS transformation, scalable compensation design, and large-scale hiring significantly enhanced operational capacity and organizational alignment.
She also spent over three years as a Human Resources Consultant and VP at The Power Up Group, advising businesses on strategic HR transformation. Her earlier leadership at Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment included pioneering branded customer service initiatives and DEI-driven organizational design.
Mary Ann’s extensive experience also includes senior HR leadership roles at Casino Queen, Jumer’s Casino & Hotel, Isle of Capri Casinos, and Eldorado Resorts, where she demonstrated a deep capability in union negotiation, compliance, strategic workforce planning, and culture change initiatives across hospitality and gaming sectors.
About Bally’s Chicago
Bally’s Chicago is a premier destination in the making, envisioned as a transformational urban resort on the iconic Chicago riverfront. Located at 777 W. Chicago Avenue, the development will feature a 500-room hotel, world-class casino with 3,400 slots and 173 table games, a 3,000-seat theater, expansive food and beverage options, and a public riverwalk extension. As part of the Bally’s Corporation portfolio, this property is set to become a cornerstone of entertainment and economic activity in the region.
Read Also : HR Is Not a Support Function—It’s the CEO’s Most Powerful Growth Engine
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
From Gatekeeping to Gateway Building: Transforming How Organisations Create Access
Leadership In Talent Management: A Powerful Driver for Economic Growth
