Tribal chairmen and casino executives have come and gone but the one constant since the Mohegan Tribe opened its Mohegan Sun casino 19 years ago is Mitchell Grossinger Etess, the genial face of the Mohegan’s enterprises.

Raised in the hospitality business, Mr. Etess developed at an early age the character and skills required to run a renowned casino resort in what prior to development of Mohegan Sun had been sleepy Uncasville. Working in concert with tribal leadership Mr. Etess has always extended a hand to the local community and the state, offering Mohegan support and resources.

He has been the beacon who has helped guide the tribe to expand Mohegan Sun to include amenities such as a radio station, shopping venue, myriad restaurants and clubs, and a 10,000-seat arena that hosts major concerts, a WNBA team, and a lacrosse franchise. And, to expand the tribe’s enterprises beyond gaming to more varied, and less flashy, opportunities.

Mr. Etess was hired as part of the casino’s pre-opening team in 1996, and quickly moved from senior vice president of marketing to president and chief executive officer of Mohegan Sun. That role then expanded to include chief executive officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, dual positions he held for a number of years. All that time, Mr. Etess focused on Mohegan Sun and southeastern Connecticut, looking for opportunities to improve the casino resort and the region simultaneously.

He has been a leader in promoting state and regional tourism the same way he promotes Mohegan Sun. Mr. Etess is accessible, smart and charismatic. Reporters and editors at this newspaper know that he is the best kind of source and newsmaker. He’s quotable, personable and affable. He returns phone calls, answers emails, and never avoids the difficult questions. And he’s able to explain to the uninitiated the intricacies of gaming.

Tonight, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut will honor Mr. Etess as the recipient of its Citizen of the Year Award. He is a perfect match for the criteria: “a person who has made significant contributions to the region’s civic and business life.”

Mr. Etess is transitioning from his current role as chief executive officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority to retirement. But we suspect that between well-deserved time with his wife and two grown daughters, rounds of golf and spinning classes, he will continue to be active and vital in southeastern Connecticut. Mr. Etess wouldn’t be happy doing anything less.