Leadership team

We’re betting on fun, here at Synergy Blue, and that culture starts at the top. Our venerable leadership team knows how to work hard, play hard, and get things done.

GEORG WASHINGTON – CEO

Georg is an entrepreneurial pioneer in the IT and gaming industries. His passion for vintage arcades and the desire to progress the gambling industry led Georg to focus on skill-based gaming; and, with his team, he invented the HAWG® system and games to accompany it. The team’s hybrid brainchild reimagines the gambling experience for a new generation of players, like Georg.

Prior to Synergy Blue, Georg founded Synergy Information Solutions, a leading technology provider specializing in casino and tribal gaming enterprises. He led the entity from startup to an award winning industry competitor, which continues to thrive to this day.

In Georg’s spare, time he enjoys working on Synergy Blue projects in-between rounds of PUBG.

AMY WASHINGTON – Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer

Amy Washington oversees the spectrum of Synergy Blue’s endeavors, from strategic collaboration to marketing and business development. With more than a decade experience, she translates big picture initiatives into concrete actions to actualize the team’s overarching mission.

Prior to Synergy Blue, Amy handled business growth and marketing responsibilities, including work as Operations Director for Synergy Information Solutions and Regional Business Development at Applied Micro Systems (Commander/Telstra) in Melbourne, AU.

Amy enjoys following up with people and double-checking. Really, these are her very favorite things.

BRIAN DOLAN – Sr. Vice President of Operations

Brian, a gaming industry veteran, brings over 28 years of casino gaming experience to Synergy Blue. He spent 21 years at Caesars Entertainment, where he played a key role in property openings and operations management. With the Caesars Corporate Gaming team, Brian held the position as Director of Slot Strategy & Gaming Investment. Previously, Brian also held the role of COO with VSR Industries.

When Brian is not busy checking things off his To Do list, he enjoys getting a tan on the Big Island of Hawaii, scuba diving in the Caribbean or just watching Alabama football. Roll Tide!

MICHAEL LOW –Vice President of Technology & Games

Michael Low, a man of many talents, brings 30+ years of programming and game experience to the Synergy Blue team. Previously, Michael has held postions with Aristocrat – Technical Director; Microsoft – Principal SDE Lead; Wizards of the Coast – Senior Games Architect; and IGT- Team Leader/Lvl 5, R&D Lab.

Two of Michael’s favorite things are making homemade pumpkin soup and attending the Burning Man Festival with his lovely wife.

ANDY FISHER – Vice President of Product Management

Andy adds 20+ years of casino gaming knowledge to our leadership roster, with experience in everything from product innovation, to pragmatic marketing, to engineering. Before joining the Synergy Blue family, Andy was a key factor in helping to grow Acres Gaming and IGT as a Senior Product Manager.

 In addition to his extensive knowledge of product strategy and a knack for software/hardware development, Andy has a love for business plans and strategizing.

In his free time, he likes to take long walks on the beach (Australian beaches, preferably) and fanatically cheer for the Oregon State Beavers.

PAMELA MATTHEWS – VP of Compliance & Licensing

Pamela brings over 25 years of gaming experience to Synergy Blue. She spent 20 years in various areas of IGT’s Compliance Department, where she played key roles in implementing processes to ensure regulatory compliance in the many jurisdictions the company was licensed and in automating its licensing process. Prior to that, she served as Senior Agent with the Nevada Gaming Control Board where she conducted suitability investigations of gaming applicants.

When not busy at the office, she enjoys bike riding, working out, reading, and spending time with the many wonderful people she’s met in Las Vegas since moving here in high school. Pam is a gem and her positive, “get it done” attitude shines throughout her interactions with others.

CHRISTOPHER E. BENAK – Vice President of Finance

Chris Benak brings a deep understanding of financial and operational objectives to the Synergy Blue team, where he focuses on strategic planning. Before joining Synergy Blue, Chris held various leading financial and non-financial positions, including his most recent role as VP of Corporate Accounting with Eldorado Resorts, Inc. in Reno. Chris holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Nevada and is also an active licensed CPA in the State of Nevada.

Born-and-raised in Las Vegas, Chris is excited to be back in his hometown. When he’s not collaborating with the team or crunching numbers, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, taking in a great movie, and watching his LA Dodgers. Go Blue!

DERRICK PRICE – Sr. Director of Platform Engineering

Derrick oversees the platform team and development of Synergy Blue’s class 3 (Slot) and 2 (Bingo) platforms. He is a well-rounded technical leader and senior software engineer who has over 23 years experience in gaming, having worked with IGT for over two decades.

During Derrick’s long and distinguished career at IGT, he lead numerous projects from conversions to scratch applications. Derrick was instrumental in the development of IGT’s Class 3 platform as well as the launch of the Electronic Table Game platform. He also successfully delivered several high producing, industry-recognized products. Derrick also holds a B.S. in Computer Science and a M.B.A. from UNLV.

In his down time, Derrick enjoys playing DJ for his kids, and is hopeful that someday his “old person” music will rub off on them. Rock on Derrick, rock on.

TOM STANKEVICH – Game Producer

Tom became part of the Synergy Blue family right out of school as a Junior Programmer, and has continually grown with the company, swiftly earning his spot on the Leadership Page. He has used his innate technical understanding and keen organizational skills to develop numerous On Demand Products, manage countless Service Window projects for casino clients across the globe, and streamline game dev processes.

When he’s not busy trying to clear out his in-box (never gonna happen), Tom and his beautiful wife enjoy playing one of over 200 board games in their extensive collection. Current favorites include Sentinels of the Multiverse, Gloomhaven and Terraforming Mars, (of course).

JOSEPH BUNEVITH – Vice President of Interactive Gaming

Bio coming soon.