Jason Whitaker, CPP

Experience

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  US Army

  Feb 1999 - Jan 2009

  Staff Sergeant

   Military infantry leadership experience leading teams up to 30 with a combat tour in Afghanistan and a military training/ combat mission in Pakistan. 4 responses to natural disaster recoveries Completed Basic Noncommissioned Officers course  Numerous awards for achievement and valor during combat action against the enemy Military infantry leadership experience leading teams of up to 15 with a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo and South Korea. Personal Security Detachment for high worth clients such as senators and music artists. Completed Army Primary Leadership Development Course, Air Assault Course, Combatives Instructor Course, Hazmat Response and Handling Course, and Mortarman Course.  Battalion Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the month and Quarter Show less

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  J. Alexander's Restaurants

  Mar 2009 - May 2011

  Server

   Served food and drinks to guests Guest and service orientated restaurant atmosphere

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  Pinnacle Entertainment

  Nov 2011 - Dec 2017

   Hand selected by corporate vice president to start-up security operations for new casino in Cincinnati; successful launch led to permanent executive position as Security Director with overall responsibility for guest safety, security, and medical response of casino operations. Led, developed, coached, and motivated 100+ staff—three shift managers and three shift supervisor teams in: management, marketing, communications, administration, recruitment, and staff development. Created atmosphere of collaboration and safety during normal business operations as well as special events to include the Kentucky Derby and concerts with 22K in attendance.  Responsible for and managed $2.5 million in P&L budgets; continuously improving functions and efficiencies to find ways to become more cost effective without compromising highest level service standards. Participated and evaluated processes within Lean Six Sigma program.  Instrumental in the creation of comprehensive standard operating policies and procedures, emergency action plans, and security protocols for the Belterra Park in Cincinnati. Created presentations/training program to ensure 900 property team members were prepared to perform day-to-day operations and react to emergency situations. Ensured strict regulatory compliance to state gaming laws; conducted corporate and criminal investigations/reports in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement; represented company in court hearings; and collaborated with casino executive leadership team to identify fraud, waste, and abuse to minimize loss and improve efficiencies. Record fiscal years for the casino for three years running and the highest departmental guest service scores in friendliness and feeling of safety in a corporation of 16 casino properties nationwide for four consecutive years. Member of Compliance, Safety, Diversity, and Executive Committees for this racino with 1,400 slot machines and six restaurants. Show less  Responsible for overall safety, security, and medical response for high volume casino to include 300 room hotel, 2,200 slot machines, 11 restaurants, Movie Theater, special events pavilion, and daycare. Interviewed, hired, and developed a highly effective staff through mentorship, on-the-job training, and a commitment to training opportunities. Development led to promotional opportunities for 8 supervisors and three managers. Supported corporate goals and objectives by overseeing, coordinating, and integrating security operations into program reviews, planning efforts, policy adjustments, performance management, support to business operations, as well as professional development and training. Created presentations/training program to ensure 1,500 property team members were prepared to perform day-to-day operations and react to emergency situations. Ensured strict regulatory compliance to state gaming laws; conducted corporate and criminal investigations/reports in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement; represented company in court hearings; and collaborated with casino executive leadership team to identify fraud, waste, and abuse to minimize loss and improve efficiencies. Effective execution as a Security Shift Manager led to promotion to Director of Security at Belterra Park Gaming, Cincinnati, Ohio. Show less

  • Director of Security, Belterra Park Gaming

    Sept 2014 - Dec 2017

  • Security Shift Manager, Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City

    Nov 2011 - Sept 2014
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  MGM Resorts International

  Jun 2018 - Jul 2020

   Coordinated successful security operations during pre-opening and grand opening of a billion dollar casino and resort to which includes a 2 million square-foot complex (14.6 acres) that contains a gaming area surrounded by a parking garage, 252 room hotel, spa/ salon, movie theater, restaurants, outdoor plaza/ entertainment, and retail shops. 125,000 square-foot casino floor featuring 2,550 slots, 120 table games, a high-limit room and a poker room with 23 tables.  Instructed/ trained staff of over 200+ direct reports in casino operations, safety, management, security operations, recruitment, medical response, and staff development Responsible for and managed $8.1 million in P&L budgets; continuously improving functions and efficiencies to find ways to become more cost effective without compromising highest level service standards Responsible for/ managed all security operations and traffic control for highly visible “A” list entertainment events on and off property to include Mass Mutual Center and Symphony Hall Created collaborative environment of shared expectations/ best practices and execution with local and state police to minimize criminal activity, ensured safety of guests/ team members, created relationships with local Attorney General for prosecution of cases Runner up winner of MGM Resorts International Chairman’s Service Excellence award for superior guest service Q4 2018 Provide direction on personnel (VIP) protection, internal/ external investigations, asset protection, and workplace incidents Show less

  • Chief of Security

    Nov 2019 - Jul 2020

  • Director Of Security

    Jun 2018 - Oct 2019
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  Cushman & Wakefield

  Oct 2020 - now

  Director Of Security
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  YouTube

  Jan 2021 - now

  YouTube Content Creator

  Content creator for Jason Whitaker- The DIY Dad. Videos about house projects and lawns all while being a working suburban dad.