Fri, Dec 20, 2024

For Meghan McCarthy, a career in gaming came as "a welcome surprise."

She once aspired to a career in pro tennis. But in college, she paid the bills working in spas, restaurants and hotels. "My love for the hospitality industry started there," says McCarthy, "and continues to this day."

Over a 20-year career, she learned every corner of the business. As vice president of operations at Hard Rock Fire Mountain in Sacramento, she continues to touch all parts of the organization: sales, retail, food and beverage, the works.

"No day is the same, no hour is the same," says McCarthy. "Strategizing, planning and executing are what it's all about in my world, always striving to provide the best guest experience."

In 2023, she was among five finalists for Hard Rock/Seminole Gaming's Chairman's Award. She credits a few basic principles:

Honesty and integrity: "Doing the right thing even when no one is looking."

A driving work ethic: "The world doesn't owe you anything. Do not seek acknowledgement or appreciation; do the work because you love the work and believe in the goals and visions."

Generosity: "Always take the time to give back. Understand and appreciate the power of making a difference in the world for the better. Last fall, Hard Rock's Pinktober Gala raised more than $200,000 to support cancer research, and McCarthy hopes to set a new record for giving in 2025.

Servant leadership: "Being a trusted support and resource for my teams."

In addition, McCarthy has overseen a notable rise of women to director and executive roles at the Sacramento property, which opened in 2019. Today, fully 44 percent of leadership positions are held by women.

"It's the highest compliment I can receive to see one of my team members or mentees get promoted or decide on a career path," says McCarthy. "Watching them grow and learn and overcome challenges is such a satisfying feeling, and truly gives meaning to what I do."

In 2025, she foresees "an exciting year for both Hard Rock Sacramento and our tribe, the Enterprise Rancheria. We're in the master-planning stages of a development project for both the casino and over 350 acres adjacent to the resort that will come to life over the next five years."

According to the company, the project could include a "festival entertainment district," convention space, an indoor water park, and even a rodeo, adding to the estimated $2.3 billion in positive impact by Hard Rock operations to Yuba and Sutter counties.

The development's positive impact, "not only on our business but on the community, will be nothing short of spectacular," says McCarthy.

She cites her parents as her first role models. "They instilled in me core values and principles that I hold dearly. They're the reason I've had so much success in my life and work."

She also thanks Hard Rock Fire Mountain President Mark Birtha for his support. "No one has challenged me more, allowed me to grow, guided me through the tough times and celebrated the wins each step of the way. Mark's passion, compassion, patience and work ethic are truly inspiring."

Birtha, in return, has called McCarthy a "hospitality rock star."

McCarthy's work is "a constant juggling game with very high stakes. I value every minute spent working to achieve the goals we create on paper. To quote the famous Billie Jean King, 'Pressure is a privilege.' I do not take that for granted."