HOLLYWOOD — John Eder has been promoted to chief financial officer at Seminole Gaming, operator of the Tribe’s seven Florida casinos. Formerly senior vice president of finance, Eder brings 13 years of Seminole Gaming experience with him to the CFO position.

“We will continue to grow our footprint here in our current locations, grow our revenue and our product,” said Eder, who joined Seminole Gaming in 2002. “Our focus today is to improve guest service, to provide a world-class product no matter which casino the guest is in and continue to grow our organization.”

Eder’s responsibilities include finance, accounting, payroll, risk management, compliance, banking/investor relations, planning and analysis, cage, credit and purchasing for the casinos. He also sits on several strategic steering committees for Seminole Gaming, including executive, benefits, investment, information technology and compensation. Gaming employs about 10,000 people statewide.

“John is the first employee I hired at Seminole Gaming,” said Jim Allen, Seminole Gaming CEO and Hard Rock International chairman. “I was aware of his amazing intelligence and work ethic. Seminole Gaming is one of the most respected organizations in the world, and he will do an excellent job to continue to enhance that reputation.”

One challenge facing Seminole Gaming is the future of the gaming compact between the Tribe and the state of Florida.

“We are still working with the state and have a good relationship,” Eder said. “It’s been nothing but fruitful for the state. We’ve exceeded expectations and paid more than agreed to.”

If the Tribe retains exclusivity of table games and slot machines outside Miami Dade and Broward counties, expansion in Hollywood and Tampa could commence with Council approval.

Prior to joining Seminole Gaming, Eder worked with Allen at Kerzner International, which owns the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. Eder served as vice president of finance.

He has also held management positions with Walt Disney World, Vesuvius USA and Coopers & Lybrand. Eder earned an MBA from the University of Florida, a BBA from Eastern Michigan University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Eder and his wife, Andrea, live in Pompano Beach. Their children, Samuel and Hannah, attend the University of Florida.