UNCASVILLE, CT – Mohegan Sun has promoted Matt Dole to Director of Entertainment Strategic Planning and Kayla Smith to Manager of Sports & Entertainment. The property also announced the addition of Elijah Panfili as Sports & Entertainment Publicist.
In his new role, Dole will oversee strategic initiatives for Mohegan Sun’s entertainment portfolio, with a primary focus on Mohegan Sun Arena. His responsibilities include revenue optimization, artist relations and long-term business strategy, as well as partnerships with Live Nation and artist agencies. His talent booking experience will also support programming at the Wolf Den and Sun Patio.
Dole joined Mohegan Sun in 2006 as a restaurant host at Cove Lounge and later worked in VIP Services, Arena Club and Revenue Management before joining the Entertainment team.
“These promotions within our Entertainment team are well deserved, as Matt and Kayla have each played essential roles in the continued success of our entertainment venues,” said Joe Soper, VP of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan. “Their leadership, dedication and ability to adapt in a fast-paced industry have helped elevate the guest experience across our live venues and I am excited to see them build on that momentum.”
Smith joined Mohegan Sun in 2005 as a Guest Receptionist in Hotel Operations and later served as Hotel Supervisor and Dual Rate Manager. She transitioned to Sports & Entertainment in 2020 as a Contract & Scheduling Specialist. As Manager of Sports & Entertainment, Smith will help oversee entertainment booking for the Wolf Den and assist with booking strategy for The Cabaret Theatre, Sun Patio and Mohegan Sun Arena. She will also manage contracts, scheduling of artist and tour hospitality needs and operational support for entertainment programming.
Panfili, a Central Connecticut State University graduate with a background in communications, public relations and marketing, joins Mohegan Sun as Sports & Entertainment Publicist. He will support publicity for concerts and sporting events at Mohegan Sun Arena and the property’s other entertainment venues.