Alex Dixon, president and CEO of DRA and Q Casino + Resort, has resigned.

According to a release, Dixon, who has been at Q Casino since August 2021, will pursue leadership opportunities out of state. His final day with Q Casino will be January 15.

Blake Rakestraw, the organization’s current COO and CFO, has been named interim CEO.

“It’s bittersweet news to announce Alex’s departure, but we wish him and his family the best moving forward,” said DRA Board Chair Mike Donohue in a statement.

“We have accomplished a lot under his leadership. Alex has been the driving force behind the renovation and expansion of the casino and its ongoing transformation, but he has also been integral in helping the community embrace and move toward a more comprehensive strategic vision for the future of Schmitt Island.”

According to Donohue, the renovation and expansion project currently underway will continue as scheduled.

Island Social, a new all-ages entertainment venue, will open to the public on November 27 and a new boutique hotel with a rooftop restaurant, currently under construction, is scheduled to open next fall. Other projects will go forward, including an outdoor amphitheater, golf facility, and DRA’s support of local organizations through grant programs.

“Alex has played an integral part in both maintaining, and enhancing DRA’s important role in the community, as well as the tri-state region,” Donohue said. “We will continue working toward completion of those projects the DRA Board and the Dubuque City Council have already approved, while also laying the foundation for additional projects and conducting a search for our next leader.

“As the 40th anniversary of DRA approaches in 2025, it’s amazing what we’ve been able to accomplish over the last three years with Alex at the helm. He has helped strengthen DRA’s reach and impact in the community,and now we must continue this momentum on several different fronts.”

Rakestraw will oversee operations for the resort and DRA after Dixon’s departure while a search for a new leader is conducted. There is currently no timeline or details available regarding the search. More information will be shared when available.