Pearl River Resort Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pearl River Resort has 5 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, financial management, information technology, and human resources.

Committed to excellence in the gaming and hospitality sector, Pearl River Resort delivers premium entertainment experiences while maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and guest satisfaction across all resort facilities.

Leadership Roles at Pearl River Resort

  • Interim President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer - Joseph Castillo
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Sonny Johnson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Doris Thompson
  • Chief Information Officer - Cheryl Smith
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Lawrence Kovach
  • Joseph Castillo - Interim President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer

    Joseph Castillo, the Interim President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer at Pearl River Resort, directs the overarching financial health and strategic trajectory of the organization. Managing complex fiscal operations, the Interim President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all gaming and hospitality revenue streams remain optimized for long-term growth. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting to the board. By balancing immediate operational needs with broader fiscal goals, Joseph Castillo maintains the stability of the resort's diverse portfolio, including hotel operations and dining services. The Interim President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer also coordinates with department heads to streamline costs while enhancing the guest experience. Through disciplined financial management, the executive secures the necessary resources to support ongoing resort improvements and market competitiveness within the regional gaming landscape.

    Sonny Johnson - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Sonny Johnson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pearl River Resort, architects the long-term vision and market positioning for the entire gaming and hospitality enterprise. Overseeing the integration of hotel, entertainment, and dining services, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that elevate the brand's presence in the competitive regional market. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the executive team to align operational outputs with the company's core mission of providing high-quality guest experiences. Sonny Johnson monitors industry trends to identify new opportunities for growth and service expansion. By fostering a culture of excellence, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all resort facilities operate at peak performance levels. Through strategic decision-making and a focus on sustainable development, the executive strengthens the resort's reputation as a premier destination for entertainment and leisure, ultimately securing the organization's standing as a leader in the hospitality industry.
    Sonny Johnson

    Doris Thompson - Chief Financial Officer

    Doris Thompson, the Chief Financial Officer at Pearl River Resort, manages the fiscal integrity and economic planning for the resort's diverse business units. Overseeing financial audits, revenue forecasting, and expense management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all gaming and dining operations maintain profitability. This leadership role involves providing the executive team with precise financial insights to guide strategic investments in hotel infrastructure and entertainment offerings. Doris Thompson monitors cash flow and capital expenditures to support the resort's long-term financial health. By implementing rigorous accounting standards and financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and optimizes resource allocation across the organization. Through careful analysis of market performance and operational costs, the executive supports the company's growth objectives. This role remains central to maintaining the financial stability required to deliver high-quality services to guests while ensuring the resort achieves its annual revenue targets.

    Cheryl Smith - Chief Information Officer

    Cheryl Smith, the Chief Information Officer at Pearl River Resort, directs the digital infrastructure and technological strategy that powers the resort's gaming and hospitality operations. Managing the security of guest data and the efficiency of internal systems, the Chief Information Officer implements advanced software solutions to support hotel bookings, slot machine connectivity, and conference facility management. This leadership role involves overseeing the IT department to ensure seamless integration across all digital platforms. Cheryl Smith architects robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect the integrity of the resort's network while enabling data-driven decision-making for the executive team. By modernizing technological assets, the Chief Information Officer enhances the overall guest experience and operational productivity. Through continuous innovation in digital services, the executive ensures that the resort remains at the forefront of technological advancement, providing a secure and efficient environment for both staff and visitors across the entire property.
    Cheryl Smith

    Lawrence Kovach - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lawrence Kovach, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Pearl River Resort, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives for the entire workforce. Overseeing the recruitment and training of staff across hotel, gaming, and dining departments, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the resort maintains a high standard of service excellence. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits programs and performance management systems that foster employee retention and professional growth. Lawrence Kovach architects policies that promote a safe and inclusive workplace environment, aligning human capital strategies with the company's broader business goals. By managing labor relations and workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational scale of the resort's regional presence. Through effective leadership development and engagement programs, the executive ensures that the workforce remains motivated and equipped to deliver the premium guest experiences that define the resort's market reputation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pearl River Resort Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pearl River Resort?
    Pearl River Resort is led by Joseph Castillo (Interim President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Sonny Johnson (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Doris Thompson (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Pearl River Resort’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pearl River Resort includes leaders such as Joseph Castillo (Interim President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer), Sonny Johnson (President & Chief Executive Officer), Doris Thompson (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pearl River Resort have?
    Pearl River Resort has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pearl River Resort’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pearl River Resort includes roles such as Interim President & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.