Jamul Casino Hires Veteran CIO

Jamul Casino has hired Ram Patrachari as its new chief information officer. With more than two decades of IT and casino management experience, Patrachari is a sought-after gaming technology industry expert, speaker and award-winning executive. Jamul Casino President and GM Mary Cheeks said the casino engaged Patrachari, in part, to “build new technology systems to help ensure that the Casino remains a regional leader, offering a secure and seamless experience for all casino guests.”
“Ram’s experience and expertise will be absolutely invaluable as we continue to develop our property and grow our casino services,” Cheeks added.
Patrachari has worked for Bell Labs, Compaq, Exodus Communications and AT&T Wireless. Most recently, he was employed by another major Southern California casino where he was instrumental in building the IT infrastructure to support the operation of hotel towers with 400 VIP guest rooms.
“I joined the Jamul Casino team because of the culture that Mary Cheeks has built, how the team interacts with each other, and how they treat guests on the floor,” Patrachari said. “For me, it’s less about the technology and more about the people. I aim to cultivate an environment where team members feel free to share their ideas on how to make our workplace even better. This culture is completely aligned with my goals.”
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Julie Dubick has joined The Conrad Prebys Foundation as its strategic partnerships advisor. Dubick previously served as the director of policy and chief of staff to former San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, and was a partner and member of the executive committee for the law firm of Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek. Prior to joining the firm, she worked as the assistant director of the U.S. Marshals Service and as a trial attorney for the U.S. Justice Department. She’s currently an adjunct professor of law at California Western School of Law.
Dubick will work directly with the foundation’s CEO Grant Oliphant, and chief impact officer, who has yet to be named. “Julie has served San Diego in government, nonprofit and private sector roles, which has given her an impressively comprehensive and nuanced view of how the pieces fit together,” Oliphant said. “She understands the critical roles that policy and collaboration play in bringing about any lasting beneficial change.”
“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to contribute to major impact investing and projects to improve the San Diego region,” Dubick said. “The foundation looks to lead and collaborate with many local organizations to affect meaningful and measured change.”
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The Carlsbad Charitable Foundation (CCF), an affiliate of San Diego Foundation, held its annual Grant Awards Celebration this month, giving $90,755 to seven local nonprofits. Since 2008, CCF has awarded more than $1.2 million to over 50 programs in Carlsbad.
This year’s grantees included the Assistance League ($29,070) for its program to address the clothing needs of elementary school children and Showers of Blessings ($10,000) to expand its health services and provide for other needs of Carlsbad’s homeless community.