Global hospitality and entertainment corporation, MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), recently announced that Debra DeShong has joined the company as its Vice President of Global Industry Affairs.

According to the press release, the one-time Chief of Staff to U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy will lead MGM’s proactive messaging strategies and media relations for issues affecting MGM Resorts worldwide. In her role as chief of staff, DeShong worked closely with stakeholders and political leaders on messaging and business community outreach regarding issues such as women’s empowerment and the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement.

DeShong, who will be headquartered in Washington, D.C. comes to Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts with more than two decades of experience in international relations, communications and public policy.

Alan Feldman, Executive Vice President of Global Industry Affairs at MGM, said, “Debra’s decades of leadership in public policy and international relations, coupled with her expertise in messaging and strategy, make her a highly valuable addition to the MGM Resorts team,” according to the press release. Feldman added that MGM is thrilled with the latest addition to its talented workforce as the company continues to grow its global footprint.

Prior to joining MGM Resorts, DeShong served as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Public Affairs for strategic communications firm Subject Matter, in Washington, D.C.