Meet Your Friendly Barona Casino Hosts

We don’t mean to brag, but Barona Resort & Casino has some of the nicest, most hospitable, knowledgeable casino hosts in San Diego. With years of casino industry experience and exceptional hosting skills, our Barona Casino hosts will give every player the excellent service they deserve. Read all about Barona’s VIP and Executive Casino hosts here and request to get hosted!

Benjamin Tu, Executive Host

Benjamin Tu, Executive Host

Settling in Southern California after living in Vietnam and China, Benjamin has worked and traveled all over the world, including Mongolia, Morocco, Europe, Mexico, and Asia, just to name a few!

With professional experience in careers as diverse as photography and ceramics, Benjamin has been able to hone his exceptional guest service skills. He speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese.

Benjamin joined the Barona family in 2006, and is proud to bring his worldly knowledge to all of our guests as Executive Host.

George Munoz, Executive Host

George Munoz, Executive Host

George's 15 year contribution to Barona Resort & Casino was preceded by a 30-year career as a fast food industry executive and franchise owner, as well as trainer and mentor to junior staff members.

Through his experience, he is always mindful of the value of good customer service. Bringing this inspiration to our guests to create thousands of Barona moments, George remains a valuable team member of our Executive Host staff to co-workers and highly regarded guests alike.

Hussien Attiyeh, Executive Host

Hussien Attiyeh, Executive Host

Hussien has been in the casino industry since 1997. Starting off as a vault cashier, he transitioned into table games to work as a dealer and was quickly promoted to Floor Supervisor. Hussien came to Casino Marketing in March 2006 to provide exceptional service as an Executive Host. His proficiency in both English and Arabic also serve to make our guests experiences even that much better.

Often referred to as Executive Host Extraordinaire, Hussien takes great pride in creating an unsurpassed gaming experience for his guests. He is passionate about discovering what makes a perfect gaming experience for his guests, and then sets out to make it happen for them. Hussien enjoys traveling, music, good restaurants, and off-roading.

Lena Pellegrino, Executive Host

Lena Pellegrino, Executive Host

Lena has been part of the Barona Family since 2000. She hails from Sicily and has spent most of her life within the midst of the Italian community in San Diego. Lena speaks Italian, English, and Spanish, and has an extensive retail and customer service background.

Lena started in Group Sales and joined the VIP Host Department in 2001 because she wanted to provide that special experience to each and every one of our guests. She loves to travel, be creative, and spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Michael Martinez, Executive Host

Michael Martinez, Executive Host

Michael has an incredible 20+ years in the customer service industry...and it shows! He loves providing personal attention to each and every one of his players, and loves to show them what San Diego is all about.

Michael came to Barona in 2000 as a VIP Host, and was quickly made an Executive Host. His natural affinity for hosting all our valuable players, as well as his knowledge of the gaming industry, has made him a much sought-after Barona Executive Host.

Nicole  Christian, Executive Host

Nicole Christian, Executive Host

Players recognize Nickie for her outgoing personality and high energy. With 15+ years in gaming and a steadfast dedication to guest service, she is a wonderful addition to the Barona family. Nickie genuinely enjoys getting to know her guests and is committed to exceeding each player’s expectations.
 
Nickie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from San Diego State University and volunteers her time for organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  She loves traveling and spending her free time in the sun and sand with her family and friends.

Pete Castro, Executive Host

Pete Castro, Executive Host

Pete enjoys a festive casino floor joining in with guests who are "having fun and trying to win!" With 15 years in broadcast media customer service and now 7 years with "the Barona Family," Pete has learned that a high attention to detail towards providing a pleasurable end-result experience is sought after by all casino guests, and he takes great pride in delivering this while on Barona Resort & Casino property. "This is my job description," he says, "but my role is to give something of myself, and that has resulted in some fine friendships over the years."

A San Diego native like his father, Pete says he likes to leave things up to "spontaneity" when he's off shift, but enjoys writing, music, and the arts as well.

Troy Michel, Executive Host

Troy Michel, Executive Host

Troy came to Barona after a decade working as an on-air radio weather broadcaster. He joined the Barona Family in 2002 as a Guest Service Representative and served three years as a VIP Host.

Troy's goal is to insure an unsurpassed gaming experience for all of Barona’s guests. He will help you make your next hotel reservation, open your credit line, or assist in other needs you may have. When Troy is not exceeding guest expectations on the casino floor, you will find him honing his golf game at the beautiful Barona Creek Golf Club.

Zac Moore, Executive Host

Zac Moore, Executive Host

Zac has been working in the casino industry since 2008. He joined the Barona family in August 2009 as an original casino greeter before serving 2 ½ years as a VIP Host. He holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California and brings an extensive customer service/marketing/consulting background to his work at Barona. Zac has lived in San Diego/Los Angeles his whole life, and has travelled extensively throughout SE Asia, living in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. When not at Barona, he loves to play golf and all other outdoor activities.

Gene Balcita, Executive Host

Gene Balcita, Executive Host

As a Chicago native, Gene brings experience in the restaurant business to his role as Executive Host. As one who enjoys a good round of golf, he is proud to represent a property that showcases daily casino floor excitement and fine dining options, along with our championship golf course. Gene is always looking forward to saying “Hello” to you at Barona. He finds it wonderful to know that great guest service can be performed as a family taking care of their friends!

Jessica Withee, Executive Host

Jessica Withee, Executive Host

Born and raised in San Diego, Jessica brought extensive customer service experience from one of retail’s finest stores to her position at Barona. She says the best part of being a host is getting to know the players, their family and friends and creating special memories. When not at Barona helping guests make memories, her hobbies include decorating, DIY projects around the house, spending time with family, going to the beach, and playing with my dogs.

Armend Mustafa, Executive Host

Armend Mustafa, Executive Host

Armend came all the way from Kosovo to the United States as a young boy. He learned English at a rapid pace and joined the Barona family in 2006. In his time here at Barona, he has become known for his genuine personality, smile, and friendliness. Armend is adored by Barona’s guests and especially his players because he always gives 110%, exceeding their expectations and ensuring their happiness.

 

Tiffany Winchester, Executive Host

Tiffany Winchester, Executive Host

Tiffany comes from a strong customer service background and makes our guests visits truly exceptional with her positive attitude, passion for making friends, and incredible people skills. Tiffany’s dedication and understanding of the importance of building guest loyalty and developing new guest relationships is a valuable asset here at Barona. Tiffany can speak and understand three different Asian languages - Thai, Lao, and Hmong. If you are looking for a Barona moment, Tiffany is at your service!

 

      Loosest Slots. More Winners.
Michael won $20,000, May 19.         Elenora won $10,000, May 19.         Joao won $20,050, May 19.         Edward won $16,000, May 18.         Lisa won $20,000, May 18.         Ling won $10,580, May 18.         Milagros won $12,500, May 18.         Vivien won $10,000, May 18.         Peter won $10,000, May 18.         John won $10,000, May 17.         Emile won $10,000, May 17.         Joao won $12,300, May 17.         Blanche won $10,004, May 17.         Michael won $10,025, May 16.         Thelma won $8,183, May 16.         Sandra won $12,500, May 16.         Peter won $16,110, May 15.         Ilana won $10,000, May 15.         Pamila won $8,030, May 14.         Akira won $14,567, May 14.         Shawn won $10,000, May 14.         Robert won $8,000, May 13.         Dorothy won $8,000, May 13.         Cheryl won $8,010, May 13.         Sue won $11,700, May 13.         Charlotte won $12,865, May 12.         Mary Lou won $10,000, May 12.         Jaime won $12,500, May 12.         Lance 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$66,701, Apr 20.         Jose won $10,976, Apr 20.         Alice won $10,000, Apr 20.         Sunita won $12,000, Apr 19.         Omar won $14,478, Apr 19.         Pilar won $11,702, Apr 19.         Jacob won $18,000, Apr 19.         Angel won $13,850, Apr 18.         Steven won $10,000, Apr 18.         Mark won $15,000, Apr 18.         Joao won $12,660, Apr 18.         Walid won $12,048, Apr 18.         Janet won $20,159, Apr 17.         Peter won $20,000, Apr 17.         Roland won $29,100, Apr 16.         Helen won $10,000, Apr 16.         Debra won $10,000, Apr 16.         Elsie won $16,025, Apr 16.         Jody won $10,593, Apr 15.         Sergio won $11,806, Apr 15.         Sherrie won $10,850, Apr 15.         Steven won $20,000, Apr 15.         Luzviminda won $11,030, Apr 15.         Michael won $40,025, Apr 14.         Maria won $10,413, Apr 14.         Ronald won $14,700, Apr 13.         Page won $72,600, Apr 13.         Chang won $12,868, Apr 13.         George won $12,040, 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Mar 24.         Patricia won $10,000, Mar 24.         Kurt won $10,000, Mar 24.         Roberta won $10,000, Mar 24.         Fereidon won $40,000, Mar 23.         Suleman won $11,950, Mar 23.         Samuel won $22,111, Mar 23.         Arlyne won $48,919, Mar 23.         Irmgard won $25,600, Mar 23.         Miguel won $10,290, Mar 23.         Remigio won $10,017, Mar 23.         Francisco won $16,773, Mar 23.         Earlene won $15,000, Mar 23.         Clinton won $12,045, Mar 22.         Lucinda won $10,290, Mar 22.         Suleman won $14,460, Mar 22.         Wassan won $200,000, Mar 22.         Patricia won $20,000, Mar 21.         Martha won $34,926, Mar 21.         Bette won $15,236, Mar 21.         Sasiwimon won $18,500, Mar 21.         Margaret won $20,000, Mar 21.         Judy won $10,000, Mar 21.         Eileen won $9,202, Mar 20.         Dennis won $10,000, Mar 20.         Erik won $12,840, Mar 20.         Mark won $20,000, Mar 19.         Lorre won $22,506, Mar 19.         Lisa won $10,000, Mar 19.         Alice won $11,948, Mar 18.         Melinda won $10,000, Mar 18.         Joao won $20,150, Mar 18.         Steve won $10,000, Mar 18.         John won $10,440, Mar 17.         Peter won $10,000, Mar 17.         Ghassan won $10,000, Mar 17.         Miguel won $10,290, Mar 17.         Richard won $16,000, Mar 17.         Terry won $30,000, Mar 17.         Agueda won $10,000, Mar 17.         Carol won $12,030, Mar 16.         Mary won $16,135, Mar 16.         Joao won $10,000, Mar 16.         Erik won $16,680, Mar 16.         Blanca won $10,020, Mar 16.         Jennifer won $10,000, Mar 16.         Steve won $10,000, Mar 16.         Byung won $16,000, Mar 15.         Catherine won $10,717, Mar 15.         Raad won $33,400, Mar 15.         Sallianne won $9,633, Mar 14.         Rany won $16,218, Mar 14.         Byung won $20,000, Mar 12.         Dorothy won $11,146, Mar 12.         Brian won $16,000, Mar 12.         Byung won $16,000, Mar 11.         Christopher won $20,000, Mar 11.         Evelyn won $14,831, Mar 11.         Patricia won $10,000, Mar 10.         Marie won $10,000, Mar 10.         Christina won $10,020, Mar 10.         Selma won $25,371, Mar 10.         Joao won $21,090, Mar 10.         Bree won $10,000, Mar 10.         John won $10,000, Mar 09.         John won $10,000, Mar 09.         Juan won $10,018, Mar 09.         Elizabeth won $11,355, Mar 09.         Erik won $16,840, Mar 09.         Karen won $14,700, Mar 08.         Joao won $21,000, Mar 08.         Roberta won $10,000, Mar 08.         Frank won $9,000, Mar 08.         Trina won $9,663, Mar 07.         Maria won $10,240, Mar 07.         Joao won $20,100, Mar 07.         Ronnie won $20,000, Mar 07.         Don won $10,000, Mar 06.         Frances won $10,000, Mar 06.         Rafaela won $21,852, Mar 06.         Byung won $10,000, Mar 05.         Minh won $19,899, Mar 05.         Ronnie won $20,000, Mar 05.         Imelda won $10,000, Mar 05.         Su won $10,881, Mar 05.         Pamela won $18,588, Mar 05.         Sunita won $9,000, Mar 04.         Tien won $28,450, Mar 04.         Huey won $10,000, Mar 04.         Shelly won $15,000, Mar 03.         Elva won $11,154, Mar 03.         Kristine won $10,000, Mar 03.         Phuoc won $13,197, Mar 03.         Byung won $16,000, Mar 02.         Ryan won $15,805, Mar 02.         Veronica won $10,160, Mar 02.         Victoria won $10,101, Mar 02.         Gloria won $12,046, Mar 02.         Marc won $12,137, Mar 02.         Gary won $40,150, Mar 02.         Rafaela won $11,250, Mar 02.         Carmen won $10,000, Mar 01.         Karen won $10,290, Mar 01.         Joao won $40,200, Mar 01.         Steve won $20,000, Mar 01.         Marlene won $14,304, Mar 01.         Silvia won $6,430, Feb 28.         George won $8,000, Feb 28.         Ronnie won $20,000, Feb 27.         Danira won $8,419, Feb 27.         Janet won $8,000, Feb 26.         Marc won $27,242, Feb 26.         Vickie won $17,784, Feb 25.         Victoria won $12,000, Feb 25.         Cristina won $10,726, Feb 25.         Bonnie won $10,000, Feb 25.         Bree won $10,000, Feb 25.         Morris won $32,000, Feb 24.         Terry won $18,750, Feb 24.         Tien won $10,780, Feb 24.         Lenore won $10,000, Feb 24.         Michael won $12,856, Feb 24.         Joao won $20,000, Feb 24.         Robert won $12,469, Feb 23.         Rosa won $16,062, Feb 23.