Pearl River Resort Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to excellence in the gaming and hospitality sector, Pearl River Resort delivers premium entertainment experiences while maintaining a focus on regional economic growth and guest satisfaction.

Leadership Roles at Pearl River Resort

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

    Sonny Johnson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pearl River Resort, directs all strategic initiatives across the gaming and hospitality portfolio. Overseeing the integration of hotel operations, dining services, and entertainment venues, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the market position of the resort within the competitive Mississippi gaming landscape. By optimizing operational efficiency, Sonny Johnson drives the overall success of the enterprise. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on elevating guest experiences through continuous facility improvements and service excellence. Through rigorous oversight of daily resort functions, the executive secures the financial health of the organization while fostering a culture of high performance. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer positions the resort as a premier destination for regional travelers seeking luxury and entertainment.
    Sonny Johnson

    Doris Thompson - Chief Financial Officer

    Doris Thompson, the Chief Financial Officer at Pearl River Resort, manages the capital allocation and fiscal planning for the entire gaming and hospitality enterprise. Overseeing the budgeting process for hotel operations, dining, and entertainment, the Chief Financial Officer ensures strict adherence to financial performance targets. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from slot machines and poker rooms to optimize profitability. By implementing rigorous cost-control measures, Doris Thompson strengthens the balance sheet of the resort. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities in facility upgrades and service expansions. Through precise financial reporting and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal stability of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer drives long-term value creation by aligning financial strategies with the core mission of providing exceptional guest experiences across the resort property.

    Joseph Castillo - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Joseph Castillo, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Pearl River Resort, executes the financial oversight of specific resort divisions and operational units. Managing the cash flow and accounting functions for the spa and conference facilities, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures accurate financial tracking and resource allocation. This leadership role involves auditing operational expenses to identify opportunities for efficiency gains within the resort infrastructure. By providing detailed financial analysis, Joseph Castillo supports the strategic decision-making process of the executive team. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer coordinates with other financial leaders to ensure consistency in reporting and compliance across the organization. Through the management of departmental budgets, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer drives fiscal discipline in daily operations. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer contributes to the overall financial health of the resort by optimizing the performance of key service-oriented business units.

    Cheryl Smith - Chief Information Officer

    Cheryl Smith, the Chief Information Officer at Pearl River Resort, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all gaming and hospitality systems. Managing the secure deployment of slot machine networks and guest reservation platforms, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless technological operations across the entire resort campus. This role involves protecting sensitive guest data while implementing innovative software solutions to enhance the efficiency of dining and conference facilities. By modernizing the IT landscape, Cheryl Smith directly supports the digital transformation of the resort. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align technology investments with broader business goals. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer safeguards the integrity of the gaming environment. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives operational agility by maintaining high-availability systems that power the daily activities of the resort and its diverse service offerings.
    Cheryl Smith

    Lawrence Kovach - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Lawrence Kovach, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Pearl River Resort, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the entire hospitality staff. Overseeing the recruitment of personnel for hotel, dining, and gaming operations, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the organization maintains a high-quality service culture. This role involves designing comprehensive training programs that enhance guest interaction and operational efficiency. By fostering a positive workplace environment, Lawrence Kovach drives employee retention and engagement across the resort. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with department heads to align staffing levels with seasonal demand and operational requirements. Through the implementation of competitive compensation and benefits structures, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the recruitment of top-tier talent. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human capital necessary to deliver the premium entertainment and hospitality services that define the resort brand.

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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 Sonny Johnson (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Doris Thompson (Chief Financial Officer) and Joseph Castillo (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Pearl River Resort’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pearl River Resort includes leaders such as Sonny Johnson (President & Chief Executive Officer), Doris Thompson (Chief Financial Officer), Joseph Castillo (Vice President & 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 President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.