Chris Gumiela appointed as new President & COO of MGM National Harbor

MGM Resorts International has appointed Chris Gumiela as the new President & COO of the operator’s MGM National Harbor property in Maryland, following the retirement of former President & COO Melonie Johnson. 

Gumiela originally joined MGM National Harbor in August 2017 shortly after the property made its official debut, serving as VP of Marketing until July 2020. Since 2021, Gumiela has worked as SVP of Interactive Operations for MGM Resorts International. 

“I’m thrilled to be back in the DMV and look forward to expanding the ways MGM National Harbor serves as an entertainment capital for our region and a pillar in community engagement for Prince George’s County,” Gumiela said. 

As President & COO, Gumiela will oversee MGM National Harbor’s day-to-day operations and provide strategic direction with a “renewed focus” on employee engagement and community relations.

During his time as SVP of Interactive Operations, Gumiela directed “critical” omnichannel alignment between the operator’s BetMGM business and land-based resorts and was eventually appointed to the MGM Resorts Capital Committee in 2026.

Gumiela also expanded his responsibilities during the original tenure with MGM National Harbor to serve as VP of Marketing & Advertising for the operator’s regional portfolio. He then oversaw marketing strategy and operational efficiencies for both MGM National Harbor and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.

MGM National Harbor recently reported a 2.6% decrease in casino revenue for October to $66.2m, but still led all commercial gaming establishments in Maryland during the monthly period. 

On October 27, it was revealed that lawmakers in Maryland approved plans to bring a mini version of the Sphere entertainment venue seen in Las Vegas to Prince George’s County by 2030.

Set to neighbor MGM National Harbor, the Sphere is expected to generate $63m in annual tax revenue and recently garnered support from Maryland Governor Wes Moore.