Mashantucket — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council announced Tuesday that its chairman, Rodney Butler, will serve as interim CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino, following the sudden death of former CEO Felix Rappaport last month.

Pending State Key License approval, Butler is assuming his role effective immediately. A recruitment process is underway for a new president and CEO, who will be announced in the fall.

"We're making solid progress, and expect a quick appointment and smooth transition," Butler said in a news release. "We have an incredibly talented executive team and the Tribal Council has every confidence in their ability to continue executing the strategic plan put in place by our dear friend, Felix Rappaport."

Butler has been on the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council since 2004 and has served as chairman since 2010. He also sits on the board of directors for both the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and the Mystic Aquarium.

He graduated from Montville High School and the University of Connecticut, where he studied finance and was a defensive back on the UConn Huskies football team.