THE CORDISH COMPANIES’ JOE BILLHIMER INDUCTED INTO THE MISSISSIPPI GAMING HALL OF FAME
Chief Operating & Development Officer for Cordish Gaming Group named
2026 Industry Pioneer by Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association in recognition of extraordinary leadership and lasting impact on the gaming industry
BALTIMORE (June 23, 2026) – Joe Billhimer, Chief Operating & Development Officer of Cordish Gaming Group, the gaming division of The Cordish Companies, has been inducted into the 2026 Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame by the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association (MGHA).
Billhimer was honored as the 2026 Industry Pioneer, a distinction that speaks directly to a career defined by decisive leadership under pressure, community-first values, and the kind of long-game thinking that shapes industries. He served more than three-and-a-half decades in the gaming industry before joining the Cordish Gaming team, primarily in senior leadership roles on the Gulf Coast.
The MGHA specifically recognized Billhimer for his extraordinary leadership in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most destructive natural disasters in American history. Just days before the scheduled grand opening of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi, the storm made landfall miles from the property and destroyed it. Rather than pivoting immediately to logistics or insurance, Billhimer's first act was to locate every team member and ensure their safety and the well-being of their families. He then spearheaded the complex, multi-year rebuild of Hard Rock Biloxi, culminating in a triumphant reopening, complete with its iconic guitar, that became a powerful symbol of resilience for the Gulf Coast community and the entire region's gaming industry, restoring jobs and economic vitality in the process.
“I’m truly honored and grateful to the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association for this recognition,” said Billhimer. “Looking back on my career, what I’m most proud of isn’t any single project, but the strength, resilience and generosity of spirit shown by the people I had the privilege to work with along the way. Hurricane Katrina tested us in ways we never could have imagined. What stands out most is how people across Mississippi came together, supported one another, and rebuilt stronger. It demonstrated what’s possible when communities, industry, and leadership work together and why the state continues to be a place where thoughtful, long-term investment can succeed.”
"Joe Billhimer represents the very best of leadership in gaming," said Rob Norton, President of Cordish Gaming Group. "The same focus, strength, and tenacity he used to help the Gulf Coast recover after Katrina is demonstrated every day in his vision and commitment to advance the Live! Casino brand and our team members' success. The entire organization is incredibly proud to see him receive this well-deserved honor."
Billhimer currently oversees operations for Cordish Gaming Group’s entire collection of highly acclaimed resort, casino, and entertainment destinations across the Mid‑Atlantic and Southern U.S. regions, which now includes the Live! Casinos & Hotels in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Virginia. Under his leadership, Cordish Gaming has doubled in size over the past several years and established the Live! Casino brand as a widely recognized industry name. He continues to drive new acquisition and growth opportunities across additional gaming jurisdictions.
During the induction ceremony, Billhimer joined a distinguished 2026 class of honorees that included John Ferrucci, recognized in the "Industry Influencer" category for more than 30 years of service with Full House Resorts and Silver Slipper Casino Hotel; and Allen Godfrey, honored in the "Industry Regulatory/Government Official" category for his pivotal role leading the Mississippi Gaming Commission through multiple crises, including Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 BP oil spill.
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About Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Voted Best Overall Gaming Resort and Best Overall in Dining and Entertainment in PA by Casino Player Magazine, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia is a one-stop destination in South Philly’s Stadium District to enjoy the fast-paced action of four major professional sports teams, memorable entertainment, premier dining, upscale accommodations, and world-class gaming. Conveniently located off I-95 and I-76, the facility features more than 200 luxury hotel rooms, a FanDuel® Sportsbook and Lounge, approximately 2,000 slots and more than 130 table games, including a dedicated poker room. Award-winning dining and entertainment options include The Prime Rib®, named Best South Philly Steak Dinner by Philadelphia Magazine; Luk Fu, serving authentic Asian cuisine; Sports & Social Philly, a one-of-a-kind sports restaurant, gaming venue and social lounge; the 10th Street Market, a unique food hall featuring a taste of classic Philly favorites like Geno’s Steaks, Lorenzo and Sons Pizza, and Termini Bros. Bakery; plus Luckie’s Liquor. A spirited nightlife scene at Center Bar and R Bar rounds out the Live! experience. The Live! Event Center offers more than 15,500 square feet of customizable meeting and event space with ample, secure parking. Guests can also PlayLive.com, a real money wagering online casino in the Commonwealth of PA. Live! Casino & Hotel is owned and managed by Stadium Casino RE, LLC, an affiliate of The Cordish Companies, the premier developer of Live! dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. For reservations, call 1-833-472-5483 or visit LiveCH.com/Philadelphia. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram @livecasinophl
About The Cordish Companies
The Cordish Companies’ origins date back to 1910 and encompass four generations of privately-held, family ownership. During the past ten decades, The Cordish Companies has grown into a global leader in Commercial Real Estate; Entertainment Districts; Sports-Anchored Developments; Gaming; Hotels; Residential Properties; Restaurants; International Development; Coworking Spaces; and Private Equity. One of the largest and most respected developers in the world, The Cordish Companies has been awarded an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for public-private developments that are of unique significance to the cities in which they are located. The Cordish Companies has developed and operates highly acclaimed dining, entertainment and hospitality destinations throughout the United States, many falling under The Cordish Companies’ Live! Brand, highly regarded as one of the premier entertainment brands in the country. In gaming, The Cordish Companies has developed among the most successful casino hotel resorts in the world including the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa and Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland. Welcoming over 55 million visitors per year, these developments are among the highest profile dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. Over the generations, The Cordish Companies has remained true to the family’s core values of quality, entrepreneurial spirit, long-term personal relationships, and integrity. As a testimony to the long-term vision of its family leadership, The Cordish Companies still owns and manages virtually every business it has created. For more information visit www.cordish.com or follow us on Twitter.
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