Empire Resorts, Inc. today announced that it has appointed Laurette Pitts as its chief financial officer

. Pitts will be responsible for accounting, finance, public company reporting and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

Pitts most recently served from December 2008 until December 2010 as regional vice president of Finance and Administration for American Racing and Entertainment, LLC, a private company which owns and operates horse racing, resort, and gaming facilities, including Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. She previously was employed as the chief financial officer for Pocono Downs, a gaming and entertainment facility owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, from April 2005 until November 2008.

Empire Resorts CEO Joseph D’Amato said, "It is with great pleasure that we welcome Ms. Pitts to Empire Resorts. Her diverse gaming background and experience with financial controls will be instrumental in furthering our growth and development. Laurette brings a wealth of finance and accounting experience to her duties as CFO, and her addition provides managerial, operational and financial depth to our executive team.”

In this appointment, Pitts will be also be responsible for operational and financial accounting, including financial reporting, cash management, budgeting, forecasting, accounts payable, purchasing, warehouse and payroll. She will serve as a strategic leader and partner for direction, integrity and overall effectiveness of accounting and finance functions.

In addition to her most recent experience, Pitts has held a variety of senior financial positions with Seneca Allegany Casino, Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, and The Tunica Sheraton Casino and at Harrah’s properties in Tunica, Memphis and Atlantic City.

Pitts received her MBA from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul Minnesota and her BA degree in accounting from Stockton State College in Pamona, New Jersey.

(With files from Empire Resorts)