The Kerry R. Watson, Jr. Interview

What is your morning routine?
A: About a year ago, based off a conversation with a wellness expert, once my alarm goes off, I sit at the bed on focus on three things of which I am grateful. I no longer check texts or emails until I am dressed. It starts my day off properly and has relieved me of some of my anxiety and stress.

How would you describe what you do?
A: My title is Regional VP of Government Affairs for MGM Resorts. My primary role is to assist my company with its legislative efforts in the states outside of Nevada. I also consider my role to be aware of all external issues impacting MGM.

What is the last book or article you read?
A: The Red and the Blue by Steve Kornacki

Identify one trend in your industry you predict will change how business is done?
A: The Pandemic will impact the hospitality industry more than most industries in our economy. Gaming and hospitality companies are looking to digital technologies to provide unique guest experiences that appeal to new consumers as well as those concerned for their health. Digital technologies allow for touchless experiences on property and mobile experiences in the area of sports betting.

What’s your favorite productivity habit?
A: Delegate when appropriate. It not only helps you focus on the most important tasks at hand, it allows teammates to feel engaged, boost their self-worth, and improves their opportunities to advance in their own careers.

In business what is something that most people learn only after it’s too late?
A: That your children grow up fast. Do not let your ambition miss the most important things you will ever bring to the world.

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About Kerry Watson:

Since January of 2017, Kerry Watson has served as MGM National Harbor’s Vice President of Government Affairs. In this role, Kerry is responsible for government relations with Maryland’s state and local elected officials, as well as its governmental agencies. He is also the lead for management of the company’s legislative agenda for Maryland. Kerry also oversees MGM National Harbor’s community engagement and corporate social responsibility (CSR) program which has given millions of dollars in financial and in-kind donations to non-profits and whose employees have volunteered tens of thousands of hours in the region.

Previously, Kerry served as a Governmental Relations Consultant for Alexander & Cleaver, a lobbying and law firm that services clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. In this role, he developed strategies to acquire public sector contracts for various clients and worked with the Maryland General Assembly, the Prince George’s County Council, and each executive branch respectively, on a range of issues to ensure legislation that impacted his clients was properly addressed.

Prior to Alexander & Cleaver, Kerry served as County Executive Rushern Baker’s Senior Advisor, Council Liaison and Liaison to Organized Labor, where he was critical in lobbying for Baker’s $50 million Economic Development Incentive Plan. He also played an active role in the public outreach and successful effort to bring a gaming site to National Harbor.

Kerry is a retired 20-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department, where he served in several roles, including K9 handler, academy instructor, and Vice-President of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89. He was a well-respected and highly-decorated officer including the 2002 Police Chiefs’ Association of Prince George’s County’s, “Prince George’s County Police Officer of the Year” award.

Kerry also actively serves on a number of non-profit boards and commissions in Maryland. He is currently chair of the Employ Prince George’s Board of Directors, Vice-Chair of the MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Board, a member of the Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation Board, and a member of the Prince George’s Local Development Council, to name a few.

Kerry was raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and is a proud graduate of Largo High School. Kerry holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maryland, University College. Kerry is a married father of two lovely children. His daughter Sydney who plays lacrosse for the University of Connecticut and his son Corey who plays lacrosse at Stevenson University. Kerry is also a photographer, specializing in travel photography and portraiture.

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-r-watson-jr-751a6551/