Penn National Gaming appoints Senior VP of Corporate Development

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Penn National Gaming, Inc. announced today that Nelson N. Parker has been named Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, effective 30 May 2017, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Mr. Parker brings a 20-year track record of success in project development and investment management to Penn National and will report directly to the Company's Chief Financial Officer, William J. Fair.

Nelson Parker joins Penn National from Hard Rock International, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of Hotel & Casino Development. As a member of the Hard Rock development team since 2010, Mr. Parker oversaw commercial and tribal development activities, was responsible for securing gaming licenses in new domestic and international jurisdictions, and participated in several M&A transactions, all of which led to Hard Rock's property portfolio growth. From 2005 to 2010, he served in a variety of development roles at Foxwoods Resort Casino, including as Vice President of Development. In that role, he led all aspects of new commercial and tribal resort casino development and acquisition efforts for Foxwoods' growth initiatives.

He also served from 2003 to 2005 at Argosy Gaming Company in several roles, including as Corporate Director of Development, and worked on the acquisition of the pari-mutuel property, which has since become Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway. Prior to his involvement in gaming and lodging, Mr. Parker held senior level positions for several Midwestern private equity groups, where he was involved in numerous acquisitions and participated as an active board member for multiple portfolio companies. He holds a BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from Transylvania University. At Penn National, Mr. Parker will be responsible for corporate growth and development initiatives.

Commenting on Mr. Parker's appointment, Mr. Fair said, "We are delighted to welcome Nelson to the Company and believe that his proven experience with complex development projects and M&A transactions of all sizes is an ideal fit with our strategic growth plans and focus on providing our patrons with excellent entertainment experiences. His expertise will support our goals of optimizing our growing regional gaming portfolio and strengthening our multi-channel distribution platform while pursuing opportunities to further expand the scale and diversity of our operations to build shareholder value."