Personnel File for July 31

Leonard Blackwell II of Biloxi and Kosta Vlahos of Gulfport were honored during The Mississippi Bar’s annual meeting for practicing law over the past 50 years, from 1966-2016.

Jay Trapani of Waveland was named executive director of Hope Haven Children’s Services, a nonprofit organization in Hancock County serving abused and neglected children. Trapani studied management and marketing at the University of New Orleans and brings 30 years of experience in the health care industry to the position.

Dhiana McKaig Skrmetti of Biloxi was named the executive director of the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra. Skrmetti is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast and brings more than eight years of nonprofit experience to the position.

Lissa Ross, a Biloxi native, was promoted to executive director of Human Resources at Gold Strike Casino Resort, an MGM Resorts International location in Tunica. Ross joined MGM Resorts in 1999 at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi and earned her Bachelor of Science in speech communications from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Silver Slipper Casino recognized its employees of the month for June 2016: Ray Gardner, facilities, and Grayson Tilley, buffet, were named Employees of the Month, and Carole Rocco, database manager, was named Manager of the Month. Honorees received gifts and prizes.

Boomtown Casino recognized its employees of the month for June 2016: Jonathan Anderson, guest safety officer, and Justin Simmons, marketing analyst, were named the casino’s Cast Members of the Month. Honorees received gifts and prizes.

This story was originally published July 30, 2016 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Personnel File for July 31."