Video Gaming Technologies lures second Gaylord exec

VGT continues growing its Smyrna headquarters, despite TBI rebuff

Email | Print By Milt Capps

Jason Morgan

Video Gaming Technologies Inc., which had been rebuffed by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn when VGT sought support for relocating its manufacturing operations to Rutherford County, today named Jason Morgan chief financial officer for the company.

Morgan was previously CFO for Gaylord Entertainment Company's ResortQuest International subsidiary. He was preceded in joining VGT by Jay Sevigny, who in May became VGT's chief operating officer, after serving as COO of Gaylord Entertainment's hotels division. Morgan now reports to VGT Founder and President Jon Yarbrough.

Yarbrough recently told NashvillePost.com he expects to resume pressing his case for expanding VGT's instate production and logistics at some level, notwithstanding Tennessee's laws against in-state use of the equipment for gambling.

Yarbrough failed in an earlier bid for TBI Director Gwyn's support, as reported exclusively last month by NashvillePost.com. VGT was recently named #1 on Inc. magazine's list of America's 500 fastest-growing private companies. The company was founded by Yarbrough in 1991 and currently has more than 10,000 games distributed throughout the United States and Mexico.

In addition to Morgan's stint with Gaylord, where he held a variety of planning and treasury duties, he previously served in financial and accounting roles with Harrah's Entertainment, ITT Corporation and Arthur Andersen. Morgan is a CPA and earned his MBA and bachelor's at Vanderbilt University.

Yarbough said in a statement released today, "Jason has extensive experience in managing finance operations and maximizing financial returns for companies," adding, "VGT continues to grow at a rapid pace and is expanding into new business markets. Jason will play an important role in helping to take VGT to new levels of productivity and financial performance." Morgan will oversee all VGT's finance and accounting functions, and will be actively involved in developing strategic plans and increasing operational productivity.