Debbie Wardrop has been hired as hotel manager for the $40 million expansion at 7 Cedars Casino, leading the hotel team in the pre-opening of the first of a three-phase resort project that includes 100 rooms, coffee bar and meeting space on the west side of the casino.

Wardrop will oversee all operations on a day-to-day basis for the hotel scheduled to open in summer of 2020.

The second and third phases will add 200 more rooms plus conference space and operational support facilities.

Wardrop has previously worked with luxury properties, including the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Ariz., and The Boulders Resort in Carefree, Ariz.

She worked for the National Football League for nearly 10 years as well, as Director of Events-Corporate Hospitality and CEO of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee. Her most recent position was at The Resort at Port Ludlow as general manager, overseeing the operations of an independent, boutique property with 37 guest rooms, and a full-service dining room featuring farm-to-table cuisine.

“This next step in my career is a very exciting one,” Wardrop said. “The Olympic Peninsula will welcome a hotel of this caliber and it will be a joy to work with the 7 Cedars Resort Properties team. We look forward to welcoming visitors and sharing the distinctive experiences of this special place.”

In her role prior to joining 7 Cedars Resort, Wardrop’s focus on the industry has included: Washington Hospitality Association; Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission; Tourism Coordinating Council, and the Jefferson County Lodging Tax Advisory Council. She is also an active board member with the Jefferson Land Trust.

“7 Cedars is very proud of our leadership team, as we are now entering into the hotel industry, we appreciate the opportunity to have Debbie Wardrop join us with her experience,” said Jerry Allen, CEO of 7 Cedars Casino & Resort Properties, in a statement last week. “We welcome her and appreciate her talents.

“Debbie’s contributions during the design phase and pre-opening work with 7 Cedars Resort, Rice Fergus Miller Architects, and Swinerton Construction has been a great experience, I look forward to a historic landmark relationship.”

For more about 7 Cedars Casino, including the resort expansion, see www.7cedarsresort.com.