Burkholder leaving Treasure Bay
BILOXI - Bernie Burkholder and Treasure Bay Gaming & Resorts announced jointly this morning that Burkholder has stepped down as chief executive officer of the privately held gambling company.
Susan Varnes, the corporate vice president of operations and general manager of the Biloxi casino, assumed management of the company with the new title of chief operating officer.
“I wish Treasure Bay, its employees, vendors and customers the very best,” Burkholder said. “My heart will always be with them and Treasure Bay. While there is never a good time to leave a company, I believe Treasure Bay has a very bright future with a strong and loyal management team and employment base in place.”
The company has also casinos in St. Croix, Aruba and Bonaire. It recently received a gaming license on the island of St. Lucia and is developing a casino there.
It will be late summer or fall before the Biloxi casino reopens, Varnes said.
Varnes, 41, began her career in casinos in her home state of Illinois. She came to Mississippi in 1995 and first worked for Isle of Capri Casinos.
“It has been a pleasure working with Bernie over the last several years,” Varnes said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead of Treasure Bay. I am honored to accept the position of chief operating officer and am excited about the team we have to take us into the future.”
Burkholder, an Alaskan fisherman who has a degree in veterinary medicine, was named the casino company’s chief executive in 1994 when it was in financial troubles. He navigated the company through a bankruptcy, hurricanes and expansions into the Caribbean.
Source: Sun HeraldÂÂ