Exit Fahrenkopf, enter … ?

After a long (17 years) and eventful tenure at the top of the American Gaming Association, President Frank J. Fahrenkopf is calling it a day. On June 30, he hands over the reins to a successor as yet to be named. Although this decision was taken over a year ago, the AGA is only now commencing the search for a replacement. The smooth-talking and seemingly ageless Fahrenkopf gave Big Gaming a media-savvy voice and a politically connected presence on Capitol Hill. Mind you, those who crossed him did so at their peril: Just ask Ian L.M. Thomas, the chowderhead who singlehandedly scuttled the World Gaming Congress by refusing to give the AGA the equity participation it requested. (I know: I was aboard the sinking ship.) Fahrenkopf promptly formed the rival Global Gaming Expo and weekend yachtsman Thomas’ convention quickly plunged to Davey Jones’ Locker. During his nearly two decades as the industry’s #1 lobbyist, Fahrenkopf went from fending off virtuecrats on the left and right to herding cats, as he was forced to wait for fractious casino bosses to come to Jesus on online poker, an accord reached too late for Fahrenkopf to gain traction in Congress. (A knife in the back from Sheldon Adelson was his reward.) Whoever succeeds him must be a veteran, gaming-friendly politico well-versed in patiently cobbling together consensus. Former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour seems an obvious choice, although maybe not for a 15-year stint. Charlie Crist, late of Florida‘s governorship, has experience dickering with both private-sector and tribal casino interests. Pennsylvania‘s Ed Rendell is as juiced-in as anybody, but what’s needed is someone who can preach to the unconverted and Rendell might not find too many receptive ears on the right-hand side of the aisle.

Where’s Larry? You can take Larry Mullin‘s picture off the side of those milk cartons. The former Borgata prexy and Australian Star Casino boss (right) has been snapped up by Seminole Gaming. He was named COO of the company last Dec. 20, part of a big executive dog-and-pony show that saw the contracts of CEO James Allen, CFO Brad Buchanan and Hard Rock International CEO Hamish Dodds extended. The Seminoles gave a big vote of confidence to their management team and, by adding Mullin, have made it that much stronger. Look out, industry: Hard Rock may have had a setback in Atlantic City but it’s quickly planting its flag in new jurisdictions.