Casino Hosts
Genuine commitment to your comfort. Personal attention to assure a distinctive experience. Adding unexpected touches that will surprise and delight you. That’s the kind of above-and-beyond service that makes every visit to Live! Casino Pittsburgh a memorable one.
Our people make your experience great! Live! Casino Pittsburgh Hosts have upped the ante on customer care. Providing attentive service that surpasses all expectations - That's the Live! difference. Meet our wonderful team of Casino Hosts.
Don Kalpakis
Player Development Manager
Don was born in Montreal, Canada and currently resides in suburban Pittsburgh. He began his career in the gaming industry over 29 years ago in gaming management. Before joining the Live! team he served as a Senior Executive Host at other gaming properties. Don assumes the role of Player Development Manager at Live! Casino Pittsburgh and he will oversee the team of Player Development VIP Hosts on property. In previous roles he has helped to create many successful charitable events and served his local community. When he's not working, Don loves spending time with family, going to the beach, or watching hockey.
Daniel Shaffer
Dan was born and raised in Rochester, PA, a rural suburb of Pittsburgh, PA. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard before entering the casino industry. Having worked for several different gaming brands, Dan joined the Live! Casino Pittsburgh team in 2021 as a Guest Services Shift Manager but took his skills over to the VIP Host role in 2023 to better serve the guests in Greensburg and surrounding areas. Dan’s knowledge of the gaming industry makes him an ideal VIP Host allowing him to better understand and help guests in the casino. When he is not working, Dan enjoys being with friends and family, loves sports, sports gambling, and trying new things!
Lijun Pang
VIP Host
Lijun was born in China, where she lived most of her life. She later moved to the United States and settled in Maryland, starting a career in gaming. In 2023, she moved to Pittsburgh and became a table games dealer at Live! Casino. During that time, she continuously learned and mastered all table games, including poker. Lijun specializes in high-limit baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. She holds a junior college degree in advertising, a professional accounting qualification, and has been engaged in financial management. She has many years of experience in managing buisness clients and strives to create a service philosophy centered on the customer, ensuring the provision of the highest quality service to clients. In her spare time, she enjoys music, playing the flute, taking walks, traveling, and enjoying quality time with her family.
Mira McCalmont
VIP Host 
Mira was born in BengBu, China but raised in Donegal PA, a small area in the mountains of Western Pennsylvania. She attended Mount Pleasant Area High School and graduated in 2023. She has years of experience in the hospitality role and the food and beverage industry. She worked at the Nemacolin Woodlands before coming to Live! Casino. After high school, she had the opportunity to coach basketball and, until this day, still coaches basketball and plays! That's one of the things she loves doing outside of work! She also likes helping others, whether it is at work or outside of work she also likes spending time with family and friends and loves to work out!
Frank Russo
VIP Host
Frank was born and raised in the Irwin area and brings several years of hands-on experience as a trusted Table Games Dealer to his new role as VIP Casino Host at Live! Casino Pittsburgh. Known for his approachable personality and strong connection with guests, Frank is excited to elevate the VIP experience with personalized service and attention to detail. His deep understanding of the gaming floor and commitment to guest satisfaction make him a valuable asset to the Player Development team. Outside of work, Frank is a passionate sports fan- especially when it comes to cheering on his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers- and enjoys playing bocce in a local league several times a week during the summer.