Stephen J. Szapor, Jr., Vice Chairman and Co-Founder

Stephen J. Szapor, Jr. is The Innovation Group's Chief Operating officer. He works directly with clients on strategic and financial planning, primary market research, operational and marketing consulting, and feasibility and market analysis. During his eighteen years in the casino and hospitality industries, he has been involved in a number of complex restructurings and turnarounds.

Prior to joining The Innovation Group, Mr. Szapor was President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Colorado Gaming & Entertainment Company, Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Sahara Gaming Corporation and Vice President of strategic planning of Hollywood Casino Corporation.

Mr. Szapor began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. where he completed numerous auditing and consulting engagements for the firms' gaming and banking clients. Subsequent to his time at Arthur Andersen & Co. Mr. Szapor worked for Merrill Lynch & Co. as a Senior Investment Analyst.

Mr. Szapor holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University and has completed graduate studies at New York University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has received a key Gaming License/Finding of Suitability from the states of New Jersey, Nevada, Mississippi, and Colorado. He currently serves as Chair of the Colorado Tourism Office Board, and has taught Resort and Tourism Marketing at the University of Denver's School of Hotel Restaurant & Tourism Management.