Melonie Johnson is sitting on a bench outside Ada’s on the River with her colleague and communications director, Bernadette Guastini. The morning fog has begun to lift and across the river we can clearly see the towering hotel at MGM National Harbor, where Melonie oversees all day-to-day operations as President and Chief Operating Officer. 

“I’m a Southie, born and raised in Lacombe, Louisiana. I go back to visit, but it’s too hot,” she says with a laugh. “I started in the gaming industry in the 90s in New Orleans, then worked in Tunica, Mississippi.” She joined MGM National Harbor in 2017, which is celebrating eight years this month. “I wanted to live in a suburb that had an opposite commute not longer than 25 minutes…I didn’t want to spend my time on the road.” 

Melonie Johnson

President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM National Harbor

Photography:  Renée C. Gage Photography

Shoot location: Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, near Barca

She says she gambles, “Very little…but when I do, it’s roulette, I’m a numbers person.” Since 2017, she’s overseen MGM’s expansion: a second floor, a poker room, poker tournaments and outdoor gaming (where guests are permitted to smoke), expanded gaming on the inside with more square footage for slots, and an amazing slew of talent added to the MGM Theater portfolio. “Bruno Mars has made 13 appearances! For standing room, it’s 4,000 and 2,700 seated. We’ve had Aerosmith, Sting, Gladys Knight, Smoky Robinson, Patti Labelle, Tom Jones…The Price is Right, Dancing with the Stars, comedy, and country with Brad Paisley performing recently. And we hosted the first show with Britney Spears when she came back from her hiatus.”

National Harbor is an ideal location for a casino because it’s surrounded by six million people. “The vast majority of visitors are local, a lot of day trippers. Our 308 rooms, of which one-third are suites, are tight and used by high-end gamers. Our property is unique. Today at noon (it’s a Wednesday morning), there will be more people at our property than all our other competitors combined on a Saturday night. With 160,000 square feet of gaming, we have the largest gross revenue in the state of Maryland.” There is also sports betting on site, plus, parking is free and convenient – a definite bonus for this area.

Of the upscale dining options that include Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Osteria Costa and Diablo’s Cantina, her favorite is Ginger, featuring Pan-Asian cuisine. “It’s internal, we don’t outsource it, it's my favorite, magnificent and always consistent.” I haven’t been to Ginger yet, but share I did attend a fun military retirement party at TAP Sports Bar. There is also a spa and pool that I was lucky enough to visit for an afternoon last summer when solo.

MGM’s conservatory is one of the most photographed items in the DMV, with the current holiday winter display featuring a 20-foot-tall toy snowman, 15-foot tall snow globe, 16-foot-tall wooden horse and nearly 1700 poinsettias. It will be followed up with a Lunar New Year display. “What animal is it in 2025?” I ask. “Snake.” Ah, calling all Taylor Swift fans!

To keep her energy high, Melonie starts her day with a workout in her home gym, where she does a mix of cardio, strength training and yoga. She also enjoys “gardening on a small scale." She admits to being a bit of a workaholic, but it afforded her a much deserved sabbatical when needed. “I went on a Mediterranean cruise on the Sun Princess, a brand new ship, to Greece and Italy, and recently my daughter and I visited Playa del Carmen.” Also on her travel itinerary: Dubai in January and Turks and Caicos in April.

Of her husband Mark, she says, “He’s very supportive, we had a role reversal, he’s followed my career. We met in Memphis, and have moved to Illinois, West Virginia…and New Jersey where I was at the Borgata in Atlantic City for 18 months.”

When they’re out in Old Town they visit, “Ada’s, Barca, Vola’s, Chart House, Blackwall Hitch, Landini Brothers…and we’re members of CXIIIREX, the cigar bar. Although I don’t smoke, the vibe and environment is cool.” 

When I ask what’s been the biggest boost to her career, she shares, “Having sponsors – not necessarily mentors – who opened doors for me. I was hired into MGM by Anton Nikodemus, a gentleman who showed me how to navigate the waters. He gave me a laundry list of people to meet and form relationships with, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.” 

And we’re incredibly grateful to have Melonie leading world-class gaming and entertainment right in our backyard. 

Check out Melonie’s Street Style:

ABOUT MELONIE

Neighborhood: Mt. Vernon area

Hometown: Lacombe, Louisiana

Favorite book or movie: The Color Purple

Guilty Pleasure: Vanilla ice cream

What would surprise people about you? I was a softball pitcher in my younger years.

Bucket list travel destination: Italy

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less. Comfortable

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Black straight-leg jeans

Favorite trend: Cozy cardigans

Beauty product you can’t live without: CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Boots, heels or sneakers? Either boots or sneakers.

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress:  Exercise

Most fun way to stay active: Long walks

Wellness goal: To keep fit and flexible.

Want to try: Spin class

Proudest wellness achievement: I’m not on any maintenance medication.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Family room

Antiques, modern, or a mix? More traditional

Last item bought for your home: Blinds

Favorite way to entertain: Small gatherings at my home.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Absolutely clutter-free

Next planned purchase: A car

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Stylebook shares the best of Alexandria.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Waterfront Park and walking the waterfront.

Your Go-to Shop: Does the Costco on Route 1 count?

Favorite local organization: I sit on the Executive Committee of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, which is a fantastic organization that champions inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the DMV.

Best food spot: Ada’s on the River

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Not an annual event, but I really enjoy the Old Town Farmers’ Market.

View More Street Style Profiles