Thunder Valley Casino-Resort names new general manager

The United Auburn Indian Community, owners of Thunder Valley Casino-Resort, selected C.J. Graham, the current vice president of table games and assistant general manager, as the casino-resort's new general manager, according to a press release Tuesday. Graham will officially assume his new position in June. The casino's new hotel, pool and spa are set to open the next month."This is an incredible opportunity," Graham said. "I look forward to the challenges and excitement over the next few months and into the future as we prepare to open our new hotel, spa and expanded casino."Graham joined Thunder Valley Casino in June 2009 as the vice president of table games and was promoted to assistant general manager in December 2009. Prior to Thunder Valley Casino, Graham served as vice president of table games and poker operations at the Palms Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Graham has also held executive positions at the Wynn Resort & Casino, the Flamingo and Bally's Paris Resort, all in Las Vegas. Graham also starred in the movie, "Jason Lives: Friday the 13th, Part 6," playing serial killer Jason Voorhees. The current acting general manager will assume a consulting role with Thunder Valley for the foreseeable future. Thunder Valley Casino Resort, a 200,000-square-foot, entertainment and dining complex, opened in June 2003. It currently offers approximately 2,700 slot and video machines, 100 table games, a 500-seat buffet, food court, Thunder Café, Austins Steakhouse, and Koi Palace. Also on property is the Falls Bar, Thunder Bar and parking for 4,000 vehicles. Construction is under way on an expansion that will include:• 42,500 square feet of expanded gaming space designed to accommodate additional slot machines, tables games and poker room (in addition to the current 102,000 square feet of gaming space).• A 12-story, 297-room hotel. • 35,000-square-foot- pool area , with pool bar, restrooms and cabanas.• A 10,100-square-foot spa.• A new center bar, service bars and gift shop.• A 10,000-square-foot entertainment hall.• A complete remodel of the existing casino and restaurants.• A seven-story parking garage with approximately 3750 spaces.~ Staff report