Gila River Resorts & Casinos (GRRC) is thrilled to announce the new hire of Anastasia “A.P.” Palmer Johnson as corporate director of entertainment.
The veteran sports and entertainment executive was hired to develop a robust calendar of concerts and events for the rapidly expanding gaming enterprise. Johnson will oversee the portfolio of venues at all three locations including Vee Quiva, Lone Butte and the flagship Wildhorse Pass, and soon to be open fourth location Santan Mountain.
“With her connections, drive and dedication we are honored to have A.P. elevate our entertainment offerings, “said Dominic Orozco, president and chief marketing officer at Gila River Resorts & Casinos. “To hire someone like A.P. was the next natural step in the elevation of our newly designated resort brand. In her short time with the company, we are already seeing her thrive bringing on big acts such as Jake Paul, T-Pain and Rick Ross.”
Prior to joining GRRC, Johnson served as regional director of event sales for Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company. In a newly developed role within the U.S. concerts division of Live Nation, Johnson was responsible for selling private and special events for amphitheaters spanning the coasts from Seattle to Miami and specializing in convention and multi-venue corporate deals.
From 2014-2019, Johnson served as the senior director of booking and partnerships for the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena, where she booked events such as Goldenvoices’s FYF and Camp Flog Gnaw Festivals, Special Olympics, and a myriad of world-class sporting events and concerts. She also had the distinct pleasure of booking the closing shows held in “The Dump that Jumps” as Bruce Springsteen affectionately coined the sports arena.
Prior to working at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Johnson spent thirteen years generating revenue, providing client services, and conceptualizing dynamic catering experiences as senior director of sales and marketing with Levy Restaurants at STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater, Dodger Stadium, Dignity Health Park, and the Center at Cathedral Plaza. She lead event services for events including two NFL Super Bowls, MLB and NBA All-Star games, NHL Stanley Cup events, GRAMMY Awards, Emmys and countless concerts and music festivals.
A music aficionado, Johnson said, “Being able to bring exciting live music experiences to the Arizona stages is a true privilege. I am excited to introduce my long time Los Angeles promoter friends to a entirely new audience.”
Johnson resides in Tucson, AZ, with her family, two Labradors, and a quartet of feral to fabulous kitties saved from the streets of south Los Angeles.
