Officers/Directors

Executive Director

Larry Gregory is the executive director of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association. Gregory is a long time veteran in the gaming industry management profession. Prior to joining the MGHA in 2011, his experience included all facets of gaming management, including:

  • Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC), 2001 – 2011
  • Deputy Executive Director, 1998 – 2001
  • Chief of Staff, 1996 – 1998
  • Deputy Director of the Mississippi State Personnel Board

Honors & Education

Gregory received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Masters in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University. He also received a Certificate of Paralegal Studies from Mississippi College. The International Masters of Gaming Law named Gregory 2005 Regulator of the Year.

Chairman

Penny Bankston is the current Vice President and General Manager of WaterView Casino in Vicksburg, Mississippi.  She is a lifelong resident of Mississippi with 28 years experience in the gaming industry.  She started out as a craps dealer in 1993 opening Harrah’s Casino in Vicksburg.  She has continued to move up in her career also working for Isle of Capri, Horizon, and now WaterView Casino.  Penny is an avid animal lover and does dog rescue for local agencies.

Vice Chairman

Toni Burns is Vice President and General Manager of Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Tunica.  A 25-year veteran of the gaming industry, Toni joined Boyd Gaming in 2002 as Director of Finance at Delta Downs Racetrack and Casino in Vinton, Louisiana.  She also served as Vice President and General Manager at Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner, Louisiana, before being named General Manager of Sam’s Town in 2010. Toni is a board member of the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau and has resided with her husband, Jimmy, in North Mississippi since 2010.

Treasurer

Mike Bruffey began serving as MGHA’s Deputy Director in 2014.  Since then, he has written many articles about the industry, spoken to various groups about the importance of the industry and has served as editor of MGHA’s annual State of the Industry Report. Bruffey and the association’s executive director, Larry Gregory, provide responsible gaming training to the casino operators around the state.

As an attorney, Bruffey has over 20 years of legal experience in the gaming industry and also serves as Vice President – General Counsel of Island View Casino Resort. After joining Island View, Bruffey continued on with MGHA to assist with association operations.

Bruffey is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.  He then obtained his law degree from the University of Mississippi.

He resides in Biloxi with his wife (Ann) and together they have three children (Jacob, Julia and Emma).

Secretary

Roscoe Greene serves as President and General Manager for the award winning Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa a Churchill Downs Incorporated property. Before being named President and General Manager in August of 2016, Roscoe served as General Manager for Trop Casino Greenville and was responsible for the day to day operations of the property.

Roscoe, a gaming industry veteran began his career in Las Vegas, Nevada and over the course of time progressed through the rank to the level of Sr. Vice President. Greene, went on to become Sr. Vice President and General Manager for Caesar’s Entertainments, Bally’s Casino New Orleans and later oversaw day to day operations for two other Casinos’ in the Chicago Land area.

With a track record of helping to lead organizations and turnaround under performance. He’s been able to use his natural leadership skills as well as creative thought process to generate new strategies for improving operational performance, harnessing the talent of his team to improve overall productivity and performance.

Roscoe genuinely believes in Social Responsibility and has maintained a strong involvement and commitment to community and governmental relations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the, Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association, Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Washington County Economic Alliance, and the United Way of Washington County MS.

He attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas and Aurora University, Aurora IL., majoring in Hospitality Management and Business Administration.