U.S. Bank Market President Clark Wood Named Chairman of the LVGEA50 Board of Directors

LAS VEGAS– Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) proudly welcomes its incoming Chairman of the LVGEA50 Board of Directors, Clark Wood, Market President for U.S. Bank in Las Vegas.

“I am honored to serve as Chair of the LVGEA50 Board of Directors,” said Wood. “With a new executive team in place, LVGEA has very ambitious goals moving forward to ensure the region continues on a path of sustainable economic development. We’ve got a lot to accomplish over the next two years, and our team and board are ready for the challenge.”

“I’d like to thank outgoing Chairwoman Betsy Fretwell for her leadership and wisdom over the last two years,” Clark continued. “’And I look forward to working with Lauri Perdue as the new Vice Chairwoman, along with the incoming Executive Committee members as well as the full board.”

Wood has 30 years of experience in the gaming and financial sectors, and currently oversees Las Vegas’ commercial banking team for U.S. Bank, as well as the bank’s national gaming practice. Prior to joining U.S. Bank in 2014, Wood served as vice president of finance at Thunder Valley Casino Resort and managing director for Wells Fargo’s gaming business.

“We are thrilled to announce Clark Wood is stepping up to lead the LVGEA50 board,” said Tina Quigley, President & CEO of the LVGEA. “Since joining the LVGEA50 in 2015, Clark has contributed valuable insight and leadership. Over the next two years, we’re confident he’ll assist the organization in moving the needle on economic diversification as the LVGEA takes a more intentional and strategic approach to economic development.”

LVGEA also welcomes eight new members to serve on the LVGEA50 board, a diverse group of public and private sector leaders and the largest business board of its kind in Nevada.

Mayor Michelle Romero was elected mayor of Henderson in 2022 and assumed office in January 2023. Mayor Romero previously represented Ward 1 on the Henderson City Council and served as the city’s Redevelopment Agency Manager.

“I’m thrilled to represent the City of Henderson on the LVGEA50 board and help lead our regional partnership for economic development and business attraction,” said Mayor Romero. “Henderson is a community of opportunity, and we are strategic and selective in targeting companies that diversify our economy and create skilled jobs that pay higher wages. The economic development decisions we make today will impact our community’s success for generations to come.”

Mayor Joe Hardy, M.D., was sworn in as mayor of Boulder City in November 2022. Previously, Mayor Hardy served as a Nevada State Senator for 11 years and a Nevada State Assemblyman for 7 years. Mayor Hardy also worked as a physician in Boulder City and Henderson.

“As part of the mission of LVGEA, I believe that increasing investments in medical education and quality care will encourage visitors and support a vibrant job market and economy for our residents,” said Mayor Hardy.

Kevin Schiller was appointed as County Manager for Clark County in November 2022. He is responsible for the executive oversight of the nation’s 13th largest county and the fiscal management of the county’s $6.5 billion budget.

“I am excited to join the LVGEA to not only continue the partnership Clark County has forged with the organization over the last several years, but also to amplify the voice of the County as the regional provider of so many services in the valley,” said Schiller. “Through our work, we are working to facilitate economic development while also leading in innovative solutions to pressing challenges such as affordable housing, water-minded development, and pipelines to help create the workforce of now and our future. Clark County continues to be focused on infrastructure and development, and I know through this role with the LVGEA that we can continue to do address these challenges with the business community. Additionally, I am looking forward to continuing to tackle some of the other important aspects of quality of life that are important to our diversification efforts: access to health care and mental health resources.”

Tom Burns was appointed Executive Director of the Nevada Governor’s of Economic Development (GOED) in January 2023. Burns was previously with Cragin & Pike, an insurance company in Las Vegas.

“I’m really excited about joining the LVGEA Board and playing an impactful role,” Burns said. “After serving on the Las Vegas Chamber Board and now leading GOED, I look forward to engaging LVGEA on the key issues that will diversify Southern Nevada’s economy.”

Justin Carley is the Las Vegas Raiders’ Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Carley previously served as Senior Assistant General Counsel for the Howard Hughes Corporation in Honolulu, as well as with the Las Vegas office of the law firm Snell & Wilmer.

“I have watched the LVGEA grow and diversify the economy in Southern Nevada and am thrilled to now play a role in ensuring the organization’s continued success,” said Carley. “The Las Vegas Raiders are proud members of this community and understand the importance of attracting new business and top talent to our region. I look forward to contributing my legal and development experience to the LVGEA’s leadership team.”

Christina Erling is Vice President of Government Affairs, North America for Barrick, one of the world’s largest gold and copper mining operations, which operates Nevada Gold Mines.

“Supporting economic development and diversification is a top priority for Barrick and Nevada Gold Mines,” said Erling. “We strive to bring sustainable, long-term social and economic benefits to our local communities. We are proud to be a part of the LVGEA, and the important work of strengthening and growing the economy of the Greater Las Vegas region. I am excited to collaborate with fellow board members and the LVGEA leadership team in the coming year on this initiative.”

Scott Acton is the CEO and founder of Forté Specialty Contractors in Las Vegas, a construction and development firm specializing in the luxury residential, hospitality, restaurant, retail, nightlife, and entertainment industries.

“At Forté Specialty Contractors, we elevate the development process for our clients with our ability to innovate, visualize and execute, creating the most powerful experiences possible,” said Acton. “We’re excited to partner with LVGEA and their mission to diversify the economic growth of Las Vegas, which will not only strengthen our economy but also raise the standard of living for our community.”

Natalie Stewart is Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for Switch, leading the company’s public policy work in the areas of technology, tax, economic development, energy and sustainability, and education and workforce.”

“Las Vegas is an amazing community of innovation and growth,” said Stewart. “It is a community that starts with Yes.  It is a reason Switch is headquartered in Las Vegas. It is a community to innovate in, to live in, to work in and to play in.  LVGEA is THE organization to showcase this to the world, and I’m proud to help them in their mission”

Headshots for the LVGEA50 board members mentioned in this article are available, click here.

To learn more about the members of our LVGEA50 board, click here.

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