The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, owners of Four Winds Casinos, announced Friday that Matt Harkness has been named Chief Operating Officer of its three Four Winds Casino properties.

Harkness will also continue as General Manager of Four Winds New Buffalo.

Frank Freedman has also been named General Manager of Four Winds Hartford and

Four Winds Dowagiac.

Freedman will continue as Assistant General Manager of Four Winds New

Buffalo.

Both Harkness and Freedman started their employment with Four Winds Casinos

before the opening of the New Buffalo location in 2007.

 “It has been a great pleasure working closely with both Matt and Frank throughout the years,” said Chairman Matt Wesaw. “Their work ethic, attention to detail and dedication to customer service has set the tone for the entire staff at Four Winds Casinos, which is a big reason why we have had the success we’ve had.”

 “It is both professionally and personally rewarding to be associated with the Pokagon Band and Four Winds Casinos,” said Harkness. “This has been an incredible six years. It has been a tremendous experience as I was here during the construction of Four Winds New Buffalo in 2007, the opening of the first satellite casino in Hartford two years ago, the expansion in New Buffalo last year and now the

recent opening of Four Winds Dowagiac. I look forward to continuing to work with the Pokagon Band and their leadership, and would like to thank them for the opportunities they have provided.”

Freedman added, “It has been an exciting experience participating in the development of the Four Winds brand and the daily operation of such wonderful facilities, culminating with the recent opening of the Dowagiac property. I am thrilled to be part of a great management team and to work with a  supportive ownership group.”

In 2012, Four Winds Casinos received 36 industry and regional awards for its gaming, hotel and restaurants. Four Winds New Buffalo offers gourmet restaurants, a luxury hotel, Hard Rock Cafe Four Winds and Silver Creek Event Center.

Its two satellite locations – Four Winds Hartford and Four Winds Dowagiac on M-51 South – offer players an opportunity to earn points, redeem offers and participate in promotions, just as they do at Four Winds New Buffalo.