Debra DeShong Joins MGM Resorts International As Vice President Of Global Industry Affairs
LAS VEGAS, NV. July 26, 2017 - MGM Resorts International today announced that Debra DeShong has joined its team as Vice President of Global Industry Affairs. In this role, Ms. DeShong will lead the global hospitality and entertainment corporation's proactive media relations and messaging strategies for issues affecting MGM Resorts around the world. She will be based in Washington, D.C.
Ms. DeShong joins MGM Resorts with more than 20 years of experience in public policy, communications and international relations. She most recently served as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Public Affairs for Subject Matter, a strategic communications firm in Washington, D.C.
"Debra's decades of leadership in public policy and international relations, coupled with her expertise in messaging and strategy, make her a highly valuable addition to the MGM Resorts team," said Alan Feldman, Executive Vice President of Global Industry Affairs. "We are thrilled to add her to our talented workforce as we continue to expand our footprint worldwide."
Prior to Subject Matter, Ms. DeShong served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy, where she closely coordinated with political leaders and stakeholders on messaging and business community outreach on issues such as the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement and women's empowerment.
She was also previously a co-founder of Washington public affairs firm Point Blank Public Affairs and the founder of Five by Five Public Affairs, and held top communications positions with The United Nations Foundation, U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli, the Democratic National Committee and the Kerry-Edwards for President campaign.
Ms. DeShong holds a master's degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in English from Fairfield University.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is a global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 27 unique hotel offerings including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. The company is expanding throughout the U.S. and around the world, developing MGM Springfield in Massachusettsand MGM COTAI in Macau, and debuting the first international Bellagio branded hotel in Shanghai. The 77,000 global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies®. For more information visit us at www.mgmresorts.com.
Contact:
Yvette Monet
ymonet@mgmresorts.com
702.692.6800
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
