

Boyd Gaming Launches Excellence in Leadership (EIL) Program with First Cohort
9/29/2025
Boyd Gaming is proud to recognize the inaugural cohort of its Excellence in Leadership (EIL) Program — a dynamic group of 16 high-potential directors and assistant general managers from across the company who are stepping into the next chapter of their leadership journey.
"I was honored and privileged to be selected to participate in the inaugural EIL Program,” said Darrel Metoyer, Director of Operations at Delta Downs. “We began as 16 individuals, but we finished as one strong, unified group. The experience has impacted me deeply, both professionally and personally."
This select group recently completed a nine-day immersive workshop focused on executive-level skill building, strategic networking, and performance acceleration. Participants were nominated by their general managers or senior corporate leaders and selected by a panel of executives based on their leadership capabilities, performance history and embodiment of Boyd Gaming’s core values.
“It’s an honor to be a part of Boyd’s inaugural EIL class,” said Steven Klotz, Vice President and Assistant General Manager at Ameristar St. Charles. “The intensive workshop was both informative, challenging and engaging.”
The program continues with a six-month mentorship, where each participant is paired with a general manager mentor and entrusted with GM-level responsibilities. This hands-on experience offers a rare opportunity to practice advanced executive skills in real-world settings. High impact stretch assignments are expected to launch early next year, further expanding the scope of experiential learning.
Future plans to expand the EIL program in the years ahead are already underway and will include high-potential leaders from various properties and Corporate as part of Boyd’s long-term commitment to developing talent from within.
Congratulations to our inaugural EIL class! Your drive, dedication and leadership inspire us every day. We’re excited to see how you continue to grow, lead and shape the future of Boyd Gaming. The journey is just beginning, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way.
"I was honored and privileged to be selected to participate in the inaugural EIL Program,” said Darrel Metoyer, Director of Operations at Delta Downs. “We began as 16 individuals, but we finished as one strong, unified group. The experience has impacted me deeply, both professionally and personally."
This select group recently completed a nine-day immersive workshop focused on executive-level skill building, strategic networking, and performance acceleration. Participants were nominated by their general managers or senior corporate leaders and selected by a panel of executives based on their leadership capabilities, performance history and embodiment of Boyd Gaming’s core values.
“It’s an honor to be a part of Boyd’s inaugural EIL class,” said Steven Klotz, Vice President and Assistant General Manager at Ameristar St. Charles. “The intensive workshop was both informative, challenging and engaging.”
The program continues with a six-month mentorship, where each participant is paired with a general manager mentor and entrusted with GM-level responsibilities. This hands-on experience offers a rare opportunity to practice advanced executive skills in real-world settings. High impact stretch assignments are expected to launch early next year, further expanding the scope of experiential learning.
Future plans to expand the EIL program in the years ahead are already underway and will include high-potential leaders from various properties and Corporate as part of Boyd’s long-term commitment to developing talent from within.
Congratulations to our inaugural EIL class! Your drive, dedication and leadership inspire us every day. We’re excited to see how you continue to grow, lead and shape the future of Boyd Gaming. The journey is just beginning, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way.