Player Development

Meet your Player Development team! Whether it's dinner reservations, promotions, offers, or Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana's next exclusive event our PD team is ready to offer you an amplified gaming experience.

Alexander Diaz

Executive Casino Host

Hello from Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana! My name is Alexander Diaz. I was raised in Griffith, Indiana and recently purchased my first home in The Region. I began my casino career as a Table Games Dealer and am thrilled to now be part of the Player Development team. I recently received my Master’s degree in Public Administration and have a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Indiana University Northwest. Some of my hobbies are doing yoga, weighting lifting, playing guitar, singing, and gaming. My mission is to provide superb customer service and inform my guests of all their available Hard Rockin’ offers & perks. I look forward to creating memorable experiences for you at Hard Rock.

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Allison Mager

Player Development Executive

Hi! I’m Allison Mager. After graduating from the University of Illinois and a short career in broadcasting, I found my true calling in the gaming industry. With over 25 years in the business, I understand what it takes to exceed expectations and provide a rockstar experience! From our first day of operation through today, I love creating unforgettable memories and building relationships with new and returning guests. Once you feel the energy at our casino, restaurants and live performances, you’ll quickly understand why this is the place to be! In my spare time, I love to be with my family, attending concerts and sporting events, or volunteering on the Board of Directors for Will County Habitat for Humanity.

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Donna Starkey

Executive Casino Host

Hi, my name is Donna Starkey. I was born and raised in the Midwest and currently reside in Northwest Indiana. I started my career in the casino industry in 2001 as a Beverage Server - over time I transitioned into a Beverage Supervisor, Hospitality Host, Players Club Supervisor and eventually Executive Host. The most rewarding part of my career are the heartfelt relationships I’ve constructed and maintained over the years with my guests. When I am not at work, I like spending time with my daughter or you can find me on our boat with my first mate, Tom. Another big part of my life is also finding loving homes for lost and helpless four-legged friends!

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I-Chun Storer

Executive Casino Host

Hi! My name is I-Chun Storer. I was born and raised in Taiwan and came to U.S. in my early twenties to attend college. I started my career in the gaming industry as a VIP Hospitality Host and worked my way up as Multicultural Inside Sales and Asian Executive Host. I recently joined the Player Development team in December of 2021. The best part of being a casino host is meeting new people every day and helping my guests to understand what Hard Rock Casino has to offer. On my off days, I love spending time with my family and friends and enjoying a nice cup of boba milk tea!

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Jianye "JJ" Shao

Executive Casino Host

Hello, my name is Jianye (JJ) Shao. I was raised in Guang Dong, China and moved to LaPorte, Indiana, in 1995. I began my gaming career in 2012 starting out as a dealer and working my way up to where I am today. I began working at this property in May of 2021, starting as Executive Casino Host. My favorite part of being a host is helping to create memorable experiences and being able to build lasting relationships with my guests through travel and sharing meals at awesome restaurants. I enjoy getting to meet all kinds of people. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, fishing, and hunting.

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Kawan Moore

Casino Host

Hi, my name is Kawaun Moore. I was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago. I graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Art in Music Business Management. I started my Hard Rock journey with our incredible entertainment department in 2022. If you haven’t caught a show in our electrifying Hard Rock Live, you’re missing out! I am excited to join this positive and energetic Player Development team. In my spare time, I enjoy podcasting, traveling, reading, and attending concerts. I look forward to meeting and serving you at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

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Kelvin Chen

Executive Casino Host

Hello! My name is Kelvin Chen, I am an Executive Casino Host at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. I began my career in the casino industry in 2012 as a Dealer, and quickly become a Floor Supervisor in 2015. I took my new role as the Executive Casino Host this year in the beginning of 2022. The languages that I speak fluently are English and Chinese (Cantonese). I spend majority of my time in the Baccarat room, and I enjoy getting to know the players. In my spare time, I like to travel and play Mah-Jong.

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Konark Raithatha

Casino Host

Hi, my name is Konark Raithatha. I am originally from India and moved to Naperville, Illinois in 2012 where I attended Northern Illinois University. I joined the band as a Casino Host in April of 2026 where I bring 14 years of experience in the service industry, managing restaurants and retail stores in the Illinois area. With my experience in the service industry, I bring strong work ethics, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.
What I enjoy most is the opportunity to connect with guests, build lasting relationships, and ensure every visit is welcoming, memorable, and rewarding. My goal is to provide personalized customer service that makes everyone feel like part of our casino family. When I’m not at work, I enjoy following sports, spending time with family and friends, and learning from the unique stories of the diverse people I meet.

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Lisa Berger

Casino Host

Hi there! Lisa Berger, not to be confused with our Cafe's Legendary Burger, at your service! I am a born Hoosier but lived most of my life in Illinois. I started my tenure at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana with the Entertainment team but have found a home in Player Development. I am beyond excited to bring my decades of public sector experience to the casino floor and aim to create a welcoming positive environment for my guests. It is my goal to make Hard Rock a destination for you that feels like hanging out with friends. In my time outside of the casino, my fur babies see to it that I am never bored! Live music and sporting events are my favorite ways to spend my free time: I cherish any time I can spend with family

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Michael Hynes

Executive Casino Host

Hello! My name is Michael and I go by my last name: “Hynes”. I was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, lived in Orlando, Florida for 20 years, and am new to the Midwest. Want to know why I traded palm trees for zero degrees? Just ask! I am also fairly new to the casino industry but backed by an extensive 22 years within the music, entertainment and hospitality industries. My favorite part of being a host is meeting people, hearing their stories, and establishing relationships. When I am not at work, I am in the studio producing music, stressing myself out watching my favorite teams, traveling, or relaxing on or at the lake with a cold beer.

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Michelle Krouse

Executive Casino Host

Hello, My name is Michelle Krouse. I was born in Chicago, IL and moved away shortly as a young adult but I’ve come back to the city where I now live with my husband. I began working in the casino industry in 1995, at a property in Elgin, IL, as a players club representative and was promoted to Host shortly after starting. Over the years I’ve held various positions, mostly in the slot department. I enjoy building relationships with guests and being part of events. On my off days I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren on outdoor adventures hiking or checking out a museum, maybe an off Broadway performance, or finding a new place to explore.

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Nick Ilickovich

Player Development Executive

Greetings!! My Name is Nick Ilickovich. I have been in the casino industry over 25 years and have enjoyed every minute. It’s passion and pride that drive me to meet and engage with Hard Rock Northern Indiana’s guests. Providing authentic experiences that rock is very rewarding and I love watching our guests win! Take it from a guy that’s been around the casino block, if you’re looking for energy and excitement, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is the place for you!!!

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Tan Than

Executive Casino Host

Hello! My name is Tan Than. I have spent the last decade building a successful business in Northwest Indiana. My love for visiting Hard Rock Casino has led to be returning to a profession I started 10 years ago. I am thrilled to continue my journey in the casino industry as a Casino Host with the Hard Rock team. I know this is a career that I can enjoy doing well into retirement. In my free time, I enjoy lifting in my garage gym, going to the gun range, riding my motorcycle, fish keeping, gardening, and playing pool. I speak and write both English and Vietnamese fluently. Please say hi when you see me on the floor. Love all serve all!

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Tijana Vojinovic

Executive Casino Host

Hello, my name is Tijana Vojinovic. I am a native of Belgrade, Serbia. I have been in the gaming industry over 10 years with experience that spans across several areas, from dealing blackjack, supervising slots, marketing supervisor to Casino Host and currently as an Executive Host. I am very passionate about taking care of my guests so they can have an amazing gaming experience every time! In my spare time I like to work out, read, and hangout with Al Pacino, Kiki and Mic- my cats.

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