Management Team
Rick Salinas
General Manager
As general manager of the Barona Resort & Casino, Rick Salinas is responsible for keeping Barona on its path of leading the gaming industry in every category. He oversees the entire gaming operation which is centered around an award-winning casino and includes a resort hotel, a variety of upscale restaurants and casual eateries, and a championship golf course.
With an extensive background in gaming and hospitality, Rick has been instrumental in building and directing a renowned management team which is considered to be the best in the industry. He is responsible for setting the strategy and vision for the resort that employs over 1,600 staff members. In addition to overseeing the operations of the entire business, he is committed to continuing Barona’s leadership position in gaming by enriching Barona’s family environment for players and staff members. Rick ensures Barona is consistently delivering the exceptional service and memorable experiences that Barona’s loyal players want and deserve.
Rick Salinas joined Barona Resort & Casino in October 2000 as assistant general manager of human resources. His successful career includes executive management positions with Stouffer Hotels and Resorts, Interstate Hotels, the Four Seasons, Metro Hotels and Station Casinos.
Rafael Alvarez
Executive Vice President/Assistant General Manager
Rafael Alvarez is recognized for his exceptional leadership, attention to detail and commitment to delivering superior VIP player service. Known for his innovative approach to business and collaborative management style, Rafael has been an integral part of Barona Resort & Casino’s success for more than three decades.
Rafael began his career at Barona in 1994 as a cashier in the slot department where his dedication and strong work ethic quickly caught the attention of management. Over the years, he has steadily advanced through a variety of leadership roles including shift supervisor, assistant shift manager, assistant casino manager, casino manager, and executive casino manager.
In his current role as executive vice president and assistant general manager, Rafael oversees the performance of the casino floor and manages multiple departments to focus on operational excellence and player satisfaction. His leadership ensures that Barona continues to live up to its well-earned reputation as “The Happiest Casino on Earth.”
Throughout his tenure, Rafael has played a vital role in Barona’s evolution — from its early days as the original Barona Big Top to its position today as San Diego’s premier gaming destination. Dedicated to preserving Barona’s founding values of integrity, hospitality, and community, Rafael remains focused on sustaining Barona’s reputation for excellence and genuine player service.
Jeffty Connelly
Executive Vice President/Assistant General Manager
Jeffty Connelly brings two decades of leadership and VIP player relations expertise to his role as executive vice president and assistant general manager at Barona Resort & Casino. Since joining Barona in 2005 as an executive host, after a very successful career in VIP services in Las Vegas, Jeffty has become one of the most respected and trusted leaders within the organization.
Quickly recognized for his ability to connect with players and build meaningful relationships, Jeffty was promoted to casino manager in 2012 and later advanced to vice president of player relations in 2019. In that role, he led Club Barona to become one of the largest and most dynamic departments at Barona while overseeing all VIP and executive hosts and more than 140 team members dedicated to delivering Barona’s signature level of exceptional service. While overseeing Club Barona, often referred to as the “heartbeat of Barona,” Jeffty built Club Barona into a department that reflects Barona’s core values of ensuring a meaningful experience for every player.
A natural mentor, Jeffty invests deeply in developing his team, helping staff strengthen relationships with VIP players while building new connections rooted in authenticity and care. His leadership fosters a culture where teamwork, enthusiasm and a genuine love of VIP player service thrive.
Before beginning his career in hospitality, Jeffty spent thirteen years as a professional basketball player, competing internationally in the Continental Basketball Association and the World Basketball League. Fluent in Portuguese after years spent playing in Brazil, Jeffty brings a global perspective and a strong sense of teamwork to his role, qualities that continue to elevate both his staff and player experience.
Widely admired by his colleagues as the ultimate team player, Jeffty leads with humility, passion and a sincere commitment to making every moment at Barona memorable for players and team members alike.
Kevin Ward
Executive Vice President/Assistant General Manager
With a career spanning more than two decades in management and leadership, Kevin Ward is recognized for his ability to develop talent, build strong teams and deliver world-class service. As executive vice president and assistant general manager at Barona Resort & Casino, Kevin oversees operations with a focus on performance, player satisfaction and team development.
Kevin joined Barona in 2002 as part of the Human Resources department where he held management and executive positions for nearly a decade. In 2011, he was promoted to casino manager with the responsibility of supervising performance across the casino floor and ensuring a positive, engaging experience for both staff members and players. His success in that role later earned him a promotion to vice president of slot operations, overseeing all aspects of slot management and performance. He then stepped into the role of executive vice president/assistant general manager in 2025. In this position, Kevin is involved in managing the entire property and setting the strategy of Barona to maintain its leadership position and reputation as the best casino in the industry.
Before joining Barona, Kevin built a strong foundation in finance during his tenure at Wells Fargo Bank where he advanced to vice president and senior relationship manager for retirement plans, managing client relationships totaling more than $850 million in assets.
Kevin’s strategic mindset, financial acumen and passion for developing people continue to be key drivers of Barona’s reputation for excellence. His leadership reflects the resort’s commitment to teamwork, integrity and delivering an unforgettable experience for every player.
John Derby
Senior Vice President of Administration
With three decades of accounting management experience John Derby oversees the finance team at Barona as the Senior Vice President of Administration. He has over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry including senior finance positions at some of the most successful Tribal casinos in the country, as well as corporate casinos in Kentucky and Maryland owned by Churchill Downs.
John joined Barona in 2022 and says he jumped at the opportunity when he heard that a senior finance position was open at Barona because of everything he knew about Barona’s success, unique business culture, and reputation for the best player service in the industry.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, John grew up in a military family and lived in Hawaii, Texas and Illinois. He holds an MBA and a BA from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
Clark Hickey
Vice President of Food & Beverage
As a passionate foodie with a laser focus on delivering superior service, Clark Hickey brings 30 years of hospitality and gaming industry experience to his role as vice president of food & beverage at Barona Resort & Casino. Clark is responsible for the daily operations of Barona’s award-winning restaurants, including the Barona Oaks Steakhouse, Sage Café, Italian Cucina, and a collection of casual eateries. He manages nearly 900 staff members who he believes in keeping just as happy as Barona’s loyal players. One of his main goals is to find ways to say “yes” and fulfill players’ culinary cravings and create memorable dining experiences.
Prior to his current position, Clark worked his way up at Barona as a Food & Beverage Training Manager, Slot Operations Manager and Director of Food & Beverage. He credits his experience on Barona’s casino floor with cultivating a casino mindset when making decisions to better serve players as well as staff members. Early in his career, Mr. Hickey worked at top resorts on the East and West Coasts in hotel operations and in food and beverage which fueled his culinary ambitions. One of his favorite past times is exploring San Diego’s restaurant scene to ensure Barona’s menus reflect current tastes and trends.
Mike Murphy
Vice President of Technology
With nearly four decades of experience in the technology industry, Mike Murphy joined Barona Resort & Casino in May of 2003 and currently serves as vice president of technology. With decades of high-level technology management expertise, Mike has helped architect and nurture the sophisticated infrastructure at Barona. In this position, he oversees an information technology department with approximately 40 engineers, analysts and computer programmers and is responsible for testing manufacturer’s products, searching for innovative applications, and developing new products. An innovator at heart, Mike is charged with creating inventive ways to increase revenue and operational efficiencies through the use of technology.
Mike held various positions in the technology industry before entering the gaming industry in 1995. He started his career in the technology industry working as a mainframe computer operator while attending Tulane University. He later joined a small computer dealership during the beginning of the PC industry. Mike worked for the company as it grew into a 16-store chain where he served as the service manager for all of the retail outlets. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he started his own PC service company which he sold a decade later when he received an exciting offer to join the casino industry and work in technology for Bally Entertainment in New Orleans.
Hugo Enriquez
Vice President of Cash & Credit Services
Hugo joined Barona in 2002 as a Cash Services Cashier. Since, Hugo has had the opportunity to learn and operate within other business functions, including Table Games and in the Executive Management team as part of the Casino Manager group. During his time at Barona, Hugo has gained extensive casino operations experience. He now leads the Cash and Credit Services departments where he identifies operational efficiencies, cultivates Barona-minded leaders, and strives to connect everything Cash Services offers to the gaming floor, bringing people closer together.
In his previous role as a Casino Manager, Hugo took pride in providing leadership to staff and helping guide day-to-day operations. He continuously improved upon the Barona brand, bringing a high degree of service and grew the relationships that separate Barona from the rest.
In his current position, Hugo is not limited to Cash Services. His path has been one that has taught him the importance of our casino-centric focus and his leadership qualities and expertise allow him to role model the importance of connectivity throughout all areas of Barona. With this understanding, Hugo works diligently to bring people closer, not only through their jobs but teaching the philosophy that every staff member at Barona contributes to our success.
Brian Doerr
Vice President of Table Games
Since 2001 Brian has served the staff and players of Barona in a variety of ways, most notably through the various positions he’s held in the Slots and Table Games departments. From starting out as a Slot Cashier to progressing through the ranks and landing the role of Director of Table Games in 2015, he gained valuable education and experience along the way, helping him create the many unique Table Games offerings available on the floor today. Brian is known for his forward-thinking approach, driving innovation and contributing to high-level, strategic projects that make him an invaluable asset to Barona. His well-rounded experience laid the perfect path for stepping into the Vice President of Tables Games position.
In his current role, Brian executes on a simple philosophy – find the best possible people to surround yourself with and give them what they need to create meaningful, lifelong relationships with the best players in the world. Brian champions a mix of technical expertise and interpersonal connection and believes that while the games are built on math, the business is based on people. This belief is what drives Brian to offer the best rules, the cleanest tables, the most comfortable playing environment, and the nicest staff of any casino anywhere.
Mike Brlan
Vice President of Hospitality
Mike Brlan joined Barona Resort & Casino in 1999 and brings more than 30 years of experience in hospitality and gaming to his role as vice president of hospitality. He brings exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to service excellence in his role as Vice President of Hospitality at Barona Resort & Casino. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the resort’s reputation for world-class service and genuine VIP player service.
With over two decades at Barona, Mike oversees operations for Barona’s 400 room hotel, the Barona Creek Golf Club, VIP parking and several supporting departments. He leads a team of over 160 hospitality professionals. His passion for creating memorable player experiences is evident in the warm, welcoming atmosphere he fosters for both players and team members alike. Under his leadership, Barona continues to set the standard for superior VIP service in the industry.
Before joining Barona, Mike served as guest service director at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California. When the opportunity arose to help build a new resort from the ground up at Barona, Mike eagerly joined the team and has been an integral part of its growth ever since.
Known for his genuine kindness, attention to detail and unwavering dedication, Mike is one of the most respected and whole-hearted members of the Barona family. He takes the time to personally welcome players, ensuring everyone feels at home.
Jesus “Chuy” Martinez
Executive Director of Property Management
In his role as executive director of property management, Jesus Martinez oversees the Barona Resort & Casino facilities team. The department is responsible for the maintenance and construction of Barona’s world-class buildings and grounds including the casino, resort hotel and Barona Creek Golf Club. With nearly 100 staff members, the facilities team includes experts in mechanical, electrical, HVAC, fabrication, water treatment and conservation, fire and life safety, landscaping and renovation projects.
Under his direction, Jesus and his facilities team are charged with upholding and enhancing Barona’s reputation for beautifully maintained buildings and immaculate resort grounds to ensure that staff and players are comfortable while working and playing.
While focused on managing a large and diverse department, he is also dedicated to spending time on the casino floor interacting with Barona’s players. Not typical for his position in most casinos but highly effective as he gets immediate feedback and input from players on their comfort and enjoyment at Barona. His friendly manner, helpfulness and infectious smile has made him a favorite with Barona’s players and staff alike.
Jesus began his career at Barona in 1996 and has worked his way up through the casino in a variety of positions.
Laura Ruiz
Executive Director of Human Resources
Laura leads the Human Resources department in ensuring that Barona recruits, hires, develops, retains, and rewards staff members who deliver exceptional experiences and service at the Home of the VIP Players. Integral to this are her efforts in setting, enforcing, and evaluating HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
Laura began her Barona career as a table games dealer and was soon promoted to a supervisory position, where she developed an interest in Human Resources. After expanding her knowledge and honing her skills in this discipline, she was able to transition to the HR department as an internal consultant. Within five years, she assumed a senior HR consultant position, a role in which she served for 11 years.
Laura is dedicated to helping Barona Resort & Casino thrive in the ever-changing environments. She is committed to aiding the growth and sustainably of the enterprise for the enjoyment of its players, the stability and productivity of its staff, and the long-term viability of the Barona Band of Mission Indians.
Dawn Reilly
Executive Director of Marketing
Dawn joined the Barona Family in 2005 and leads Barona’s Marketing efforts with over twenty-five years’ experience in marketing strategy, project management and team leadership.
As Executive Director of Marketing since 2019, Dawn oversees Barona’s award-winning marketing department which is comprised of the industry’s best advertising, branding, social media, graphic design, internal and external communications, community relations, database marketing, public relations and visual design teams. Dawn works closely with her marketing group to ensure Barona’s business objectives are being met. Blending her strategic prowess and warm friendliness, Dawn exemplifies the mindset that sets Barona apart from the rest which makes her a well-respected team leader and mentor.
During her time leading Barona’s marketing team, the property has received such accolades as USA Today’s Best Casino outside of Las Vegas in 2019 and Union Tribune’s Best Award for Best Casino and Loosest Slots, since 2010. She also proudly served as a member of MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) advisory board.
Dawn works closely with the Marketing and Operations teams, ensuring players receive the same personable and friendly feel in Barona’s marketing that is experienced everywhere on property.