Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts Chief of Security Selected as 2024 Rising Star: 40 Under 40 by The Business Council of Westchester

David Soltis was selected amongst a group of diverse and highly talented professionals for his ongoing efforts ensuring the safety and security of Empire City’s guests and team members

YONKERS, NY – Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts (“Empire City”) is celebrating its Chief of Security, David Soltis, who has been selected as one of 2024 Rising Stars: 40 Under 40 by The Business Council of Westchester (“BCW”), the county’s largest business membership organization.The Rising Stars are a diverse and highly talented group representing an impressive array of professionals and developing leaders in the Westchester County business community. The Rising Stars program, which is modeled after the national business recognition program 40 under 40, selects honorees based on professional and entrepreneurial accomplishments, professional and business affiliations, and demonstrated leadership skills. Soltis will be recognized amongst a group of notable honorees at a reception taking place September 17, 2024, at Million Air White Plains. 

At 34 years old, Soltis has been on the rise in the private sector security industry for many years. He began his career with the Waldorf Astoria New York in the famed Management Development Program with the Security Division. He was promoted to Security Manager and quickly promoted again to Overnight Operations Manager, overseeing all nightly department operations. In 2015, he was named Assistant Director of Safety & Security at the New York Hilton Midtown, the largest hotel in New York City, and after three years at the Midtown property, Soltis relocated to California to make history as one of the youngest Directors of Safety & Security in the Hilton Hotel Group’s 100+ years of operation. Soltis oversaw California’s third largest convention hotel at the Hilton Anaheim from 2018 to 2020.

In 2020, Soltis returned to the East Coast, continuing his impressive career path progression at a young age and assuming his current position as Chief of Security at Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. Soltis oversees a team of more than 100 Peace Officers who ensure the safety and security of all guests and team members of the entertainment destination. In addition to his numerous roles at Empire City, Soltis sits on a ten-member Executive Committee responsible for the day-to-day operations of the largest gaming floor in the MGM Resorts portfolio. He provides valuable knowledge, insight, and expertise to help guide the casino in all aspects of the operation and is notably one of the youngest members of this committee. With his vast knowledge, Soltis was promoted beyond his role as Chief of Security to also oversee and direct all Transportation Services, including onsite shuttle services and the valet department that handles over 200,000 valets per year. This cross-functional leadership exemplifies the ability to take on challenges and succeed in different areas of the business that awarded him this honor.

“I cherish the positive reputation I have within my company and the respect I have earned with my team, who trusts me to lead them in any situation, ” said Soltis. “I am deeply honored to be recognized for this same leadership and success outside of my organization. Thank you to The Business Council of Westchester for this prestigious award, and I look forward to not only celebrating the accomplishment amongst my Rising Stars class, but also continuing to set the bar even higher at Empire City.” 

In addition to his professional contributions, community involvement in Westchester is extremely important to Soltis. Through his impact on the community, which is representative of Empire City’s volunteerism in the New York region and parent company MGM Resorts’ overarching commitment to corporate social responsibility, Soltis has a strong relationship with Yonkers Police Department, Yonkers Fire Department, Westchester County Police Department and Empress EMS, the onsite medical provider for Empire City. He partners with these agencies to help facilitate trainings on property and to find ways to better serve the community. One example of this initiative is Soltis’ role in launching the “Mobile Crisis Response Team” to help connect individuals in the community experiencing mental health crises, homelessness or in need of elderly assistance in the local area with professionals that can advocate for their care. 

“The 2024 class of 40 Under 40 Rising Stars is exceptionally talented, creative and driven,” said Heidi M. Winslow, Rising Stars Chair and Partner with DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise & Wiederkehr, LLP. “They represent a wide array of industries and diversity of experience. These individuals are the future leaders in business and the community in Westchester County. The Business Council of Westchester’s Rising Stars program is thrilled to recognize such an outstanding group.”        

As for the next steps in his career, and as MGM Resorts works to secure a commercial casino license for Empire City Casino in Yonkers, NY, Soltis plays a key role in planning for the future. He is one of the key executives represented in the application providing feedback and statistics related to traffic impacts as well as safety and security impacts to the community. He looks forward to continuing to grow his career at Empire City and ready to provide the community with a premier gaming destination.    

For more information on Empire City Casino, visit www.empirecitycasino.com.

About Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts

Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the northeast. Featuring nearly 4,700 of the hottest slots, electronic three card poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo table games, Empire City Casino also offers guests year-round harness racing and international simulcasting; live entertainment including the best party, tribute, and Latin bands; New York’s hottest DJ’s, and more. A selection of dining options will satisfy even the most discerning palate with fan-favorite fare at The Pub, and convenient delicious options at Lil’ Cocina and the Big Kitchen International Food Court. Visit Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (off I-87 at Central Avenue) Yonkers, NY, Westchester County, open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Empire City Casino is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit www.empirecitycasino.com or call 914.968.4200. 

Media Contacts: 

Josh Knoller, Nicholas & Lence Communications, (201) 294-9586, josh@nicholaslence.com 

Maria Cray, Nicholas & Lence Communications, (508) 245-6564