MGM Resorts International hired Debra DeShong as VP-global industry affairs based in its DC outpost.
She’s in charge of media relations and messaging strategies for the destination resort chain that runs properties such as the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand (Las Vegas), National Harbor (Oxon Hill, MD) as well as a 56 percent-owned venture in China.
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Debra DeShongMost recently, DeShong was executive VP/managing director for PA at Subject Matter in Washington.
Earlier, she was chief of staff for US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy, co-founder of Point Blank Public Affairs and founder of Five by Five Public Affairs
She also held communications jobs at the United Nations Foundation, staff of former Jersey Senator Bob Torricelli, Democratic National Committee and Kerry-Edwards presidential campaign.
Alan Feldman, executive VP-global industry affairs at MGM, said DeShong’s “decades of leadership in public policy and international relations, coupled with her expertise in messaging and strategy” will make her a key asset to the chain as it expands its footprint overseas.
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