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GROUNDBREAKER ENTREPRENEUR

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EXPLORER DISRUPTER

C R E ATO R

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City National Bank is very proud to be this year’s presenting sponsor of Vegas Inc’s 40 Under 40 Awards. This is a very prestigious awards program that highlights some of the up-and-coming business professionals who are and will be tomorrow’s business leaders in our community. On behalf of City National, I would like to congratulate all of this year’s honorees. Greenspun Media Group and City National have been partners on various media-related projects, programs and events for nearly two decades. These partnerships have been one of the hallmarks of City National’s success during the same time frame. Celebrating over 65 years in business, leadership at City National has had a long-standing commitment to supporting its clients, colleagues and communities where the bank calls home. On a local level, City National is the official bank of the Vegas Golden Knights and is a founding partner of T-Mobile Arena and MGM Grand Garden Arena. Leadership at the bank has made community engagement a priority and works to help create vibrant communities throughout the state of Nevada. Congratulations to all of this year’s 40 Under 40 award recipients! We are honored to call many of you friends and are excited to help Vegas Inc recognize your many accomplishments. The influence you have had on your companies, communities and state has been invaluable, and you are among the best business and community leaders in the country. Thank you for all the work you do to help Nevada be one of the best states in our great nation. Sincerely, Paul Stowell Nevada Regional Executive City National Bank

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It is our sincere pleasure to welcome Vegas Inc’s 40 Under 40 honorees and their guests to Palms Casino Resort. These distinguished individuals’ contributions to the community in their respective fields help make Las Vegas such a great place. As part of the Station Casinos family, Palms and our team members are committed to providing our city’s residents with a luxurious and easily accessible resort. With free self-parking and valet, plenty of discounts for locals and approachable amenities throughout, the all-new Palms is your go-to spot to get the experience of the Strip without having to go to the Strip. Palms recently completed a $690 million propertywide renovation that includes new rooms, a new casino floor and a diverse mix of awardwinning restaurants and bars, including concepts by celebrity chefs Bobby Flay, Michael Symon and Marc Vetri and the Michelin-rated Tim Ho Wan. Our steakhouse, Scotch 80 Prime, offers one of the world’s largest Scotch collections, while Greene St. Kitchen serves food as fine as the art found inside. And Mr. Coco and Sara’s are two gems, hidden in plain sight, that you have to see to believe. If it’s been a while since you’ve last visited Palms, we still offer some of the best views in the city—the rooftop bar at Apex is one of the best places to take your visiting family and friends. The best part: There is no cover for locals. If you haven’t been to a show at the Pearl concert theater, it is a great time to catch Billy Idol this month or see legends Earth Wind & Fire’s residency this May. While here, find some of the most iconic and famous contemporary, blue-chip and street art in the world, rarely displayed publicly in one setting outside of a museum. Thank you for joining us for this celebration of Vegas Inc’s 40 Under 40!

2020 40 UNDER 40 | SPECIAL NOTE e couldn’t have planned it better. It’s our 20th year honoring the Valley’s 40 most auspicious and prominent professionals under the age of 40, and it’s happening in 2020. And for this notable occasion, the community pulled out all the stops, nominating the best of the best. Submissions poured in from a crosssection of industries in the Valley— education, health care, law, nonprofit, hospitality and more. It was a mix that would impress even the most unimpressionable person. Our panel of judges read every submission. They carefully considered each nominee’s business acumen, charitable spirit and future potential. They looked for standouts in profes-

sional achievements, community service and overall influence in their respective industries. It became abundantly clear: Southern Nevada is full of remarkable leaders. This year’s honoree list is brimming with eager, dedicated and incredibly successful young professionals. And while each honoree offers something unique, they all bring a refreshing and encouraging promise of what’s to come. We hope you read their stories and get inspired by their passion. Our community has a bright future with these honorees at the helm. It is with the support of our sponsors that we bring these exceptional individuals to you. We are extremely thankful to City National Bank, Stitched, Grey Goose, Barrick operat-

ing Nevada Gold Mines, Cox Business, Vegas Golden Knights, SIOR, Carl’s Donuts and Balloons With a Twist for making our 2020 40 Under 40 publication a reality. A special thank-you to Palms for hosting the prestigious celebration where we honor these 40 trailblazers making Las Vegas a better place to do business and call home.

Jennifer Inaba Special Publications Manager jennifer.inaba@gmgvegas.com

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C O R R I N S U L L I VA N , P H . D. ■ A S S I S TA N T D E A N OF CURRICULUM AND A S S E S S M E N T, U N LV SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Age

Hometown CHICAGO

Years in Las Vegas 28

r. Corrin Sullivan is fortifying the medical infrastructure in Las Vegas. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree at UNLV, Sullivan pursed her doctorate and worked at the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM), the largest regional medical education program in the country. “I realized the direct impact medical education has on a community’s welfare,” Sullivan said. “I decided that if I could be a part of a team focused on education and improving health and community outcomes, then that’s exactly what I wanted to do with my career.” While at UWSOM, Sullivan began consulting for UNLV, and a few years later, she was offered a full-time position to help with the creation of the UNLV School of Medicine. Building a school from the ground up is no simple task, and now that the school has been built, Sullivan is instrumental in keeping it running. “Much of my work is behind the scenes, but I oversee the day-to-day operations of the medical education program,” she said. “This involves discussions about continuous quality improvement, faculty involvement, facilities and room/lab coordination and utilization, curriculum development and adaption, as well as instruction, assessment, funding and accreditation.” With a strong mind for community engagement, Sullivan also works with health partners and medical practices throughout Southern Nevada to provide medical students with hands-on training and comprehensive patient care experiences. “I am most proud of being a member of the foundational team put in place here in Las Vegas to create the UNLV School of Medicine. It has been such a tremendous honor to work with people incredibly gifted in expertise and instruction,” Sullivan said. “As a team, we all embarked on this formidable endeavor to serve the community, meet multiple stakeholders’ needs and create a program to train an arsenal of incredibly talented Nevada students to become Nevada physicians.”

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ANDY MEESE ■ V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F H OT E L O P E R AT I O N S , BELLAGIO RESORT & CASINO Age

39 company man and a community man, Andy Meese has established himself as a leader on both fronts. Meese began his career as a front desk clerk at Treasure Island when he was just 19 years old. He has since taken the Strip by storm, with professional stints at New York-New York, Vdara, Luxor and Bellagio, quickly rising the ranks at MGM Resorts International along the way. “As I started to get promoted in management positions, I knew leading and developing people was something very rewarding to me and what I wanted to do in my career,” Meese said. Working his way up the corporate ladder gave Meese a firsthand perspective on the important role each and every team member plays. Now, he pulls from his experience to create a collaborative, engaging environment for his team of more than 2,000 employees. “That mindset has always taught

Hometown LOS ANGELES

Years in Las Vegas 25

me to be a humble, sincere leader and always try to relate to my team members. Earning and having respect from my team is a core value of mine.” His leadership doesn’t end with those who report to him. Meese is the executive sponsor for the Professional Women’s Employee Network Group at MGM Resorts, giving guidance and mentorship to up-and-coming professionals within MGM Resorts. He partners with Lewis E. Rowe Elementary School during Nevada Reading Week to read to children from pre-K to fifth grade, and as a graduate of UNLV, he has been part of its mentorship program for the past nine years and speaks regularly to hospitality students. Meese proves that when you are an effective leader, you can achieve great success, as seen when he led and trained more than 500 employees on a new hotel upsell program that resulted in incremental revenue of $18 million in the first year.

JAKE TOMLIN Age

or Jake Tomlin, aviation and the love of flight runs in his family. “I had developed a fondness for aviation at a very young age from listening to my dad’s stories about flying in the Marine Corps,” said Tomlin, who went on to be a pilot and officer in the U.S. Marines himself. After a successful military career and two deployments, Tomlin began transitioning out of the Marines following the birth of his second child. It wasn’t long before he was offered an opportunity that checked all of his boxes. “My wife’s aunt, Brenda Halvorson, the president and CEO of both Papillon Airways and Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines, offered me a position to work in the family business. These companies were truly unique. They brought hundreds of thousands of travelers each year by air and ground transportation

Hometown SEATTLE

Years in Las Vegas 7

to have a bucket-list experience with Grand Canyon National Park and other parks as well,” Tomlin said. “I knew it was going to be multifaceted enough to fulfill my desire to continue in aviation and be a leader in a new career.” Now the president of Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines, Tomlin is able to share his love for aviation with his team—not only as a leader, but as a fellow pilot. “One of the joys of my job is that I get to fly as a captain and pilot during tour operations,” Tomlin said. An active member in the community, Tomlin is involved with multiple local nonprofits and uses his role to serve as a mentor for emerging leaders in the aviation tourism industry. When he’s not in the air and leading a 92-year-old, family-run company into a full century of operations, Tomlin coaches his son’s youth basketball team and enjoys playing guitar and ukulele.

(Photos by Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

■ P R E S I D E N T, GRAND CANYON SCENIC AIRLINES

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HENRY IGID, MD ■ MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST A N D H E M ATO LO G I S T, COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS

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Hometown MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Years in Las Vegas 2

r. Henry Igid started medical school at age 16 and completed the accelerated program, with honors, when he was just 22. He was in the Philippines at the time and taking care of his grandfather, who eventually died of cancer. “I then moved on to devote my time to becoming an oncologist and hematologist, and to provide the best care to each and every person with blood disorders and cancer that I treat,” Igid said. Igid completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Connecticut and a three-year fellowship in hematology and oncology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where he served as chief fellow. Now entering his second year with Comprehensive Cancer, he strives to understand how his patients’ lives are affected by their illness, so he can address their medical needs and expectations and offer the best care possible. “I look forward to being a leader in bringing an integrated system for cancer care that is easy for patients to navigate,” Igid said. “It is a challenge, but I look forward to the day when treating cancer becomes an experience where patients don’t have to ‘lose.’” Igid has a passion for equipping the next generation of physicians with the knowledge needed to succeed. He has served as a sub-investigator on several of Comprehensive’s clinical research trials, primarily focusing on lymphoma, leukemia and serious blood disorders, and spends time teaching anatomy to medical students and conducting lectures to help educate those with and without medical backgrounds about cancer. Among his positions, Igid sits on Comprehensive’s pharmacy committee, helping to guide the practice’s stance on specific drugs and recommendations. Igid is also a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, the American Medical Association and the Society of Clinical Research Associates.

(Wade Vandervort/Staff)

STITCHED CONGRATULATES THE 2020 40 UNDER 40 HONOREES!

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BRYCE LOVELAND Age

hen Bryce Loveland enrolled at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law 17 years ago, he wasn’t even sure he wanted to be an attorney. “No one in my family had gone to law school, but I knew Boyd would provide a solid education that would help me in whatever career path I decided on,” Loveland said. “Ultimately, I chose to become an attorney to help people solve complex problems.” Loveland now provides strategic direction to the school’s professional development fellowship program, in conjunction with the diversity committee of the Nevada State Bar. As a shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Loveland predominantly works with nonprofit multiemployer and local governmental fringe benefit trust funds to help provide quality health care and solid pensions, along with vacation money and apprentice training to thousands of hardworking Nevadans and their families in various trades and crafts.

Hometown PORTLAND, OREGON

Years in Las Vegas 17

Loveland has been instrumental in drafting legislation to open no-cost health clinics that provide quality primary medical care services, with little to no wait times, same-day appointments and more time with the provider. As a father of a disabled child, Loveland is passionate about advocating for those in need. He serves as the board chair of Nevada PEP, which helps thousands of families with children with disabilities statewide. He also serves as coordinator of the firm’s pro bono committee and personally provides more than 50 hours of pro bono service each year through the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and the Office of Military Legal Assistance. “Perhaps my best days are those when I get to work with pro bono clients, including active duty and retired veterans, and abused and neglected children in the foster system,” Loveland said. “Hearing the words ‘thank you’ from them after I’ve been able to help them with their problems is very rewarding.”

(Photos by Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

■ SHAREHOLDER, B R O W N S T E I N H YAT T FA R B E R S C H R E C K

DIANNA KLEIN ■ PROFESSIONAL PILOT | CEO, STOCKWELL MEDICAL, INC.

hen Dianna Klein was a child, she wanted to fly airplanes. “My father was a pilot and always came home happy and ready to spend his days off with family,” Klein said. “At a very early age, I decided I wanted to pursue a profession that gave me as much joy and flexibility as he had.” Klein also had a desire to serve her country. After college, she enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve and was commissioned to serve as an officer and C-5 Galaxy pilot, flying missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. During her service, Klein began flying for United Airlines. She spent four years in various management positions, including flight manager at the second largest pilot base, overseeing base operations and managing more than 700 first officers. As a worldwide long-haul pilot, Klein was selected as one of four pilots to operate United’s inaugural flight

Age

Hometown WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA

Years in Las Vegas 4

from San Francisco to New Delhi, India. In order to diversify her skill set, Klein earned a master’s degree in aeronautical science and started an aviation consulting firm. Soon after, she also completed her MBA and co-founded Stockwell Medical, a startup women’s supplement company. In 2018, it brought a first-of-its-kind powdered prenatal vitamin to market. Having achieved her dream career, Klein now dedicates her time to giving back. She is involved with B.E. A S.H.E.R.O. Foundation, iGIANT, Junior League of Las Vegas, Women in Aviation International, American Cancer Society and the Mrs. Nevada-America Pageant system. “We are all here due to someone along our life path giving us a hand up, an opportunity, mentorship or support,” Klein said. “It’s our duty to give to others as we have been given and help those less fortunate, so they someday can be in the same position to give back.”

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LISA FINNEY ■ VICE PRESIDENT OF P E D I AT R I C R E H A B I L I TAT I O N , C A PA B I L I T Y H E A LT H A N D HUMAN SERVICES

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Hometown HACKETTSTOWN, NEW JERSEY

Years in Las Vegas 16

isa Finney was a psychology student at UNLV when she saw a flyer posted on campus for a tutor. This led to her working as a behavior technician providing one-on-one assistance to a child with autism. “Watching a child make progress to reach their developmental milestones was inspiring and addicting,” Finney said. “I knew that I wanted to continue down this path but effect change on a greater scale.” It was then that Finney was introduced to the world of early intervention and became a developmental specialist. “I knew I found my niche. I was not only able to directly help the child but was also able to help the families by empowering the parents to be their child’s therapist as well as their advocate for the future,” Finney said. In her current role, Finney has grown Capability Health and Human Services’ early intervention program to serve more than 700 children. The program provides children—from birth to age 3—and their families with pediatric therapy and service coordination, free to all families whether or not they have health insurance. Finney has been instrumental in propelling Capability’s mission forward and providing children and adults diagnosed with developmental delays access to services to enhance their capabilities and enrich their lives. Finney has partnered with groups such as District Artz and the HandsOn project to provide children in the early intervention program an opportunity to create art and express themselves. She also works with the Shade Tree to provide free playgroups for children at the shelter. While Finney has worked to establish Capability as the largest community provider of early intervention services, her work is not done. She looks forward to achieving their “big crazy dream” of ensuring that all children in need of early intervention services in Nevada receive them.

(Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

BE PART OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL At The Howard Hughes Corporation, we exist to bring people together to celebrate life’s most beautiful moments. When we all work together to advance community in Southern Nevada, nobody loses. Here’s to a future filled with Ws for everyone. Congratulations honorees!

SUMMERLIN.COM

He makes the list because he makes a difference. OptumCare congratulates Chris Singer, Regional SVP, Chief Experience Officer, for making the Top 40 under 40. You’ve earned this honor through your dedication to our patients and community. It’s more than your job—it’s your passion. And that makes all the difference. ©2020 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in health programs and activities. We provide free services to help you communicate with us. Such as, letters in other languages or large print. Or, you can ask for an interpreter. To ask for help, please call 877-370-2845. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. (Chinese), Llame al 877-370-2845. 877-370-2845

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Hometown RENSSELAERVILLE, NEW YORK

icole Brisson is a woman of firsts. She’s the youngest woman to become a chef at a reputable Las Vegas restaurant on the Strip. She became the first female executive chef of an Eataly in the U.S., when she opened the company’s first Las Vegas location. And, she’s the first chef appointed to the board of directors of the Southern Nevada Health District. When she isn’t busy shattering glass ceilings in the male-dominated culinary industry, Brisson is being honored with the Award of Excellence at UNLVino, cooking at the James Beard House with other Las Vegas chefs and taking home the “New Restaurant of the Year” honor at the Nevada Restaurant Association’s 37th annual Culinary Excellence Awards. She has also competed on reality TV shows, including Chopped, Late Night Chef Fight and Beat Bobby Flay. Brisson also recently became a semifinalist

NICOLE BRISSON EXECUTIVE CHEF AND PARTNER, LO C A L E I TA L I A N KITCHEN & C R A F T CO C K TA I L S

Years in Las Vegas 16

for the 2020 James Beard Best Chef: Southwest award Each of these experiences has led the chef where she is today, at the helm of Locale Italian Kitchen, her own restaurant located in Mountain’s Edge that she opened with partner Andy Hooper. It’s a path she started on at an early age. “My mom grew up working in my grandfather’s restaurant in Saratoga, New York,” Brisson said. “We had 14 acres of gardens growing up, and she made all our meals from scratch. Culinary arts just seemed like a natural path to me at a very young age.” Brisson has a deep involvement in the community, too. “Coming from a small town, you naturally want to be involved in the community. I have had many mentors in my career, so mentorship is very important to me,” said Brisson, who has spent years speaking to and mentoring UNLV hospitality industry students. She believes in teaching and empowering the younger generation.

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34 ith an interest in graphic arts, a passion for computer technology and a foundation in marketing, René Durruthy was practically destined for a career in digital marketing. His experience spans multiple fields including finance, real estate and health. As director of digital marketing, Durruthy was instrumental in the rebranding of Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project to DTP Companies. He worked to develop the new name, branding, messaging and marketing rollout for the initiative. Durruthy’s role with DTP Companies involves creating and running initiatives ranging from digital engagement to driving e-commerce sales for more than 18 wholly owned properties and small business interests spanning residential, commercial real estate, food and beverage, retail and hospitality. His proudest accomplishment is the launch of ExploreDTLV.com. “It’s a rewards program that incorporates all of DTP’s restaurants and bars. The project scope included various technology partners, cross-

Hometown SAN DIEGO

Years in Las Vegas 14

department processes and a top to bottom marketing strategy,” Durruthy said. “One of my daily goals is bringing awareness to Downtown Las Vegas and enhance what is already a thriving destination.” Upon moving to Las Vegas, Durruthy partnered with #HashtagLunchbag to create a Las Vegas chapter in an effort to help feed the homeless. Events organized by the chapter saw celebrity guests like Trey Songz in attendance. Durruthy also participates in all of DTP’s community outreach programs including projects at the Boys & Girls Club, Catholic Charities and Three Square food bank. “I believe community involvement is extremely important in not only the progression of Las Vegas but also personal growth,” Durruthy said. “Utilizing my platform for the betterment of Las Vegas has always been a mission of mine.” Those who know Durruthy can always depend on him for a fresh outfit, the hottest music recommendations and as someone in whom they can confide.

RENÉ DURRUTHY DIRECTOR OF D I G I TA L MARKETING, DTP COMPANIES

(Nicole Brisson by Christopher DeVargas/Staff; René Durruthy by Wade Vandervort)

A bright future for Nevada Mining Barrick operates Nevada Gold Mines, the single largest gold-producing complex in the world.

OPERATING NEVADA GOLD MINES

Congratulations to Barrickâ€™s Chief Operating Officer, North America, Catherine Raw, for being recognized as one of the 2020 40 Under 40 award recipients. Nevada Gold Mines was formed in 2019 as a joint venture between Barrick Gold Corporation (61.5%) and Newmont Goldcorp (38.5%) through the combination of their significant assets across Nevada. www.nevadagoldmines.com

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B r a d K e at i n g n Director of G o v e r n m e n t AFFAIRS , Clark County Sch o o l D i s t r i c t

rad Keating’s parents taught him at a young age the importance of leaving the world a better place than he found it. “Now I have that very opportunity my parents spoke about—to be able to change the lives of generations of children and to make our education system one of the best in the United States,” Keating said. At the fifth-largest school district in the U.S., Keating has the opportunity to directly affect the lives of 320,000 CCSD students. “I work closely with federal, state and local representatives to make sure CCSD’s voice is always a part of the conversation,” Keating said. Keating’s efforts during the 2019 Legislative Session resulted in the largest increase in education dollars in the state’s history, enhanced funding for school safety, raises for educators and the passage of a bill to overhaul Nevada’s 50-year-old funding formula, effectively changing the face of educa-

R i c k y D . G o u rr i e r S r . n President and Co-founder, T r i - S t r at e g i e s

Age

icky Gourrier has worked in what he calls the “big five” industries: entertainment, government, education, politics and nonprofit. But with each role, he struggled to genuinely strike joy. “I first started to experience that joy while advocating for children in the Nevada Legislature, when I was serving as a lobbyist for Communities in Schools [CIS] Nevada,” Gourrier said. Gourrier was able to work with critical stakeholders on behalf of CIS to ensure children living in poverty have support and access to resources—a life-changing benefit to the 60,000 CIS students impacted. It was the proudest moment of his career thus far. It was also then that Gourrier had a chance run-in with Eddie Ableser, a former Arizona state senator and director at the Nevada Department of Education. This encounter led to the start of TriStrategies, its government relations and public affairs firm.

Hometown New Orleans

Years in Las Vegas 30

“The [more deeply] ingrained I became in politics and government, the more I realized it is my responsibility to help those in need,” Gourrier said. Gourrier advocated for a bill created in honor of Carson Arreola, a 6-yearold Las Vegas boy who lost his life to leukemia three days after diagnosis. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Steve Sisolak and provides for continuing education to physicians on the symptoms of childhood cancer, educates parents on the importance of annual physical examinations for children and calls for the issuance of a Childhood Cancer Awareness license plate. Gourrier has lent his pro bono talents to support a variety of causes including Awaken, which helps survivors of human trafficking, and Horse Power, Nevada’s wild horse protection group. He currently serves on the Salvation Army board of directors, the Native Son Spelling Bee executive committee and Nevada’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers advisory committee.

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Hometown Las Vegas

Years in Las Vegas 33

tion in Southern Nevada for generations to come. Keating also created Handle With Care, a partnership between school districts and law enforcement to ensure that the emotional well-being of all children is a top priority. Through the program, police officers submit a tip to be routed to the school noting a child has suffered a traumatic experience. The school implements traumasensitive curricula, so these children are “handled with care.” “There are too many times where we prejudge students and have no idea what they are going through. This information helps the child’s teacher and administration know that something is going on outside of the school environment‚ so we can provide a little more care to the student,” Keating said. As a youth, Keating was awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal for community service, and he now serves on the board of directors for AfterSchool All-Stars, an organization in which he participated as a child.

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KADY CASULLO ■ PARTNER, THE EMERGENT GROUP | D I R E C TO R O F F I R M R E L AT I O N S , T H E P OW E L L L AW F I R M

Hometown LAS VEGAS

ady Casullo didn’t choose her career; it chose her. “I was in the legal field wanting to pursue law school when I was introduced to a family friend who was heavily involved with numerous nonprofit organizations,” Casullo said. “What started as a decision to volunteer led to a deep desire for wanting to help others and to a career transition.” Casullo has married her interests in her current roles with the Powell Law Firm, serving as both the director of firm relations and director of development for the firm’s nonprofit organization. She has championed a corporate volunteer structure that unites and supports numerous charities within the community. “I have made it our company culture. Through

Years in Las Vegas 34

financial backing from the firm, I am able to help thousands of local families throughout the year for those in need of economic support, and I am able to hear the needs of those suffering from financial hardship.” To further her impact on the community, Casullo formed the Emergent Group, a boutique philanthropic consulting company formed with local humanitarian Travis Turner. In addition to increasing brand awareness and managing business relations and fundraising initiatives for local nonprofits, Casullo educates and inspires local businesses who might not have a footprint in corporate social responsibility. For Casullo, community is everything. She volunteers with Joy Prom, Special Olympics, Three Square and the Just One Project, to name a few. She also sits on the board of Project Marilyn, a nonprofit focusing on providing feminine hygiene products to women and girls in need; was named Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Volunteer of the Year in 2016; and is a former Vegas Gives honoree. “You may never know the impact you can have on a stranger’s life unless you try,” Casullo said.

(Ricky D. Gourrier Sr. by Chrstopher DeVargas/Staff ; Brad Keating and Kady Casullo by Wade Vandervort/Staff)

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DUSTIN DRAI ■ VICE PRESIDENT OF E N T E R TA I N M E N T A N D MARKETING, DRAI’S BEACHCLUB, NIGHTCLUB AND AFTER HOURS

Age

Hometown LOS ANGELES

Years in Las Vegas 3

n college, Dustin Drai threw parties, but they weren’t your typical college parties. He would book talent, market the event and make sure everything went off without a hitch—basically the job he has today, but for fun. Drai started his career at Drai’s in operations, learning the ins and outs of the business before moving to talent coordinator, then to director of marketing and finally, into his current role as VP of entertainment and marketing. “Everything that comes with promoting and organizing a live concert, I have to do three to four times a weekend, backto-back-to-back nights,” Drai said. “I am always on my phone, checking emails or trying to improve things for the venue and the club.” Credited for “reinventing the Las Vegas residency” by Complex magazine, Drai brings some of hip-hop’s top performers, including Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz and Meek Mill, to Drai’s for repeat performances. And Drai has made the fan experience a top priority by ensuring that artists perform hourlong sets. Drai has always had a love for the arts. He grew up acting in theater plays and is a huge movie buff. He makes it a point to get to the Smith Center each month to see a show. In 2017, Drai, along with managing partner Brian Affronti, coordinated Drai’s first backpack drive, benefiting local elementary schools. From that initiative, Drai’s Cares was born. The company now hosts a full lineup of charitable initiatives, benefiting several local organizations including the Just One Project and Veterans Village. “There are a lot of great causes around the world, but because Las Vegas has given so much to me and my family, it’s important to me to take care of my city,” Drai said.

(Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

The SIOR Southern Nevada Chapter and its past alumni would like to congratulate all of this yearâ€™s 40 Under 40 Honorees.

PALMERI

DAVIS

SIOR

THILL

MARTIN

RIFFEL

TASSI

2018: DAN PALMERI - Cushman & Wakefield 2017: BRET DAVIS - JLL 2012: TABER THILL - Colliers Intl. 2011: GRANT TRAUB* - Colliers Intl. 2010: RYAN MARTIN - MDL Group 2009: BRIAN RIFFEL - Colliers Intl.

ALUMNI

2009: XAVIER WASIAK* - JLL 2006: GREG TASSI - Cushman & Wakefield *not pictured

When working on one of your companies largest line items, real estate, are you using a SIOR to provide you the value you deserve? Contact a SIOR today with questions regarding your office or industrial real estate.

SOUTHERN NEVADA CHAPTER

www.siornv.com

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KADE MILLER Age

or Kade Miller, a career in law was never in his plans. “My family has been in the construction industry for several generations, so I had no exposure to the legal profession or plans to attend law school,” Miller said. “That all changed during the first year of my masters of accountancy program, when I stumbled across the university’s joint accounting and law program.” With the promise of a dual degree and increased professional marketability, he took the bait. Miller is now a corporate and securities attorney and a partner at Snell & Wilmer at just 33 years old. He’s a frequent speaker and writer on the Federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive, and his efforts to educate business owners and real estate investors on the tax incentive have led to increased economic activity and job creation here in Southern Nevada.

Hometown PHOENIX

Years in Las Vegas 8

(Kade Miller by Wade Vandervort/Staff; Donald Contursi by Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

■ PARTNER, SNELL & WILMER

It might not have been his initial goal, but it has led to immense career success and satisfaction for Miller. “Every day brings new challenges, which is what makes the job enjoyable and rewarding.” Miller is also a founding member of the Southern Nevada Chapter of the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors, a 2018 graduate of the Leadership Henderson program and a mentor to young attorneys in the community. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Mountain States Super Lawyers, a Legal Elite Top Southern Nevada Attorney and one of the Best Up and Coming Attorneys by Nevada Business Magazine. Outside the office, Miller loves a good adventure with his wife and four children, working on his motorcycle, collecting tattoos and participating on a competition barbecue team, Glazed and Infused.

DONALD CONTURSI ■ P R E S I D E N T, LIP SMACKING FOODIE TOURS

Age

onald Contursi can’t cook. But, what he lacks in kitchen know-how, he nails in taste. It’s a skill he credits to his biggest mentor—his mom. “She was the one who instilled in me an appreciation of good food and caring service,” Contursi said. “As a successful business owner in her own right, she worked long hours but always took the time to bring us all together at dinnertime over one of her wonderful homecooked meals.” Contursi’s first job as a server assistant taught him that warmth, respect, appreciation and professionalism go handin-hand in hospitality. Later, as a server at some of the most high-profile restaurants on the Strip, he honed his trade. “It was then that I came up with the idea for a culinary walking tour that would give guests easy access to multiple top restaurants in one efficient and fun experience,” Contursi said. Lip Smacking Foodie Tours was born.

Hometown CHICAGO

Years in Las Vegas 18

The tours take the guesswork out of dining by giving guests VIP service at acclaimed restaurants, where they enjoy curated signature dishes and personalized greetings from chefs—without long lines or reservations. “I’m thrilled to have hosted groups as large as 210 guests on our tours, and to introduce so many people to the hardworking, independent restaurants that make Vegas so special,” Contursi said. This homegrown Vegas culinary tour has expanded to six other cities with more planned, and has received a host of Best Tour awards, accolades from the World Food Travel Association and Thrillist, and No. 1 rankings on both TripAdvisor and Yelp. Active in the community, Contursi also serves on the board for the Las Vegas Hospitality Association and volunteers for Fill a Bag With Cheer, which works with the Clark County School District to provide underprivileged children necessities and gifts during the holiday season.

Hurry in for the savings & indulge your cravings. Time’s almost up on the IKEA Kitchen Event! Swing by ®

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IKEA Las Vegas | 6500 IKEA Way, Las Vegas, NV 89148 * Exclusions apply. Visit ikea.com/us/en/ for more details. © Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2020.

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KELSEY MOREIRA ■ FOUNDER & FEARLESS LEADER, DOUGHP

Age

Hometown DALLAS

Years in Las Vegas 1

elsey Moreira is leveraging ready-to-eat cookie dough as a vehicle for change. “After battling alcoholism, I was able to get sober in 2015. Several years later, I quit my 10-year career in the tech industry and started Doughp as a way to channel my newfound energy into something that I loved—making people happy with my desserts,” Moreira said. A passionate and trailblazing entrepreneur, Moreira has used her business acumen to grow Doughp at an exponential rate, reporting a 500% revenue increase year-over-year in the first two years. Moreira appeared on Shark Tank’s 10th season and was recently named one of Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30. With a flagship location at the Miracle Mile Shops on the Strip and nationwide shipping, Doughp continues to succeed with Moreira at the helm. While developing and expanding her business, Moreira has remained committed to her personal mission as well. “I launched the #Doughp4Hope initiative to raise awareness and fight stigmas around mental health and addiction recovery,” Moreira said. “We have mental health policies for our staff, a pledge the public can sign online and we raise funds for nonprofits working on these topics. I wanted to create a company that could do more than just serve something sweet. I want to change the world—one scoop at a time!” Peering into the next decade, Moreira is looking forward to motherhood in her private life and motivational speaking in her career. “I think being a mom and CEO is just absolute awesome sorcery, and I’m excited to give it a try. That will be my next big challenge,” Moreira said. “Professionally, I’m so excited to grow my motivational speaking career. I hope in five years I’m traveling the world sharing my story and inspiring others to grab life by the horns.”

(Christopher DeVargas/Staff )

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JENNIFER MURPHY ■ E X E C U T I V E C H E F, R E S TAU R A N T O P E R AT I O N S , CAESARS PALACE

Age

Hometown MURRIETA, CALIFORNIA

Years in Las Vegas 14

ennifer Murphy has been making a splash on the local dining scene since her debut in a Las Vegas Strip kitchen in 2006. She has worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the city, including L’Atelier De Joël Robuchon, Prime Steakhouse and Michael Mina at Bellagio. But her big break came when she was hired as executive chef of Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace in 2017. “Without a doubt, opening Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars has been the biggest accomplishment in my career. It was my first executive role, and I felt like I had something to prove,” Murphy said. “I poured my heart and soul into that restaurant. It has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. It’s an incredibly successful restaurant with one of the best teams I have ever worked with.” Within its first month of operation, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen received more than 20,000 reservations for the first five months, and it welcomed 405,000 guests within its first year. The highly anticipated opening was met with rave reviews—and Murphy’s star rose quickly. In August 2019, Murphy was promoted to Executive Chef of Restaurant Operations at Caesars Palace. “I never thought I’d end up where I am this early in my career. It’s a far departure from being a room chef. I don’t work in a kitchen every day. My responsibilities have changed, and it almost feels like I have gone into a different line of work,” Murphy said. “Being surrounded by an incredible team of F&B professionals gives me the confidence I need to conquer the challenges of this new role.” Murphy also spends time volunteering at Green Our Planet with other Caesars Palace chefs, teaching local elementary school kids how to create healthy meals with food grown in their school’s garden.

(Wade Vandervort/Staff)

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c u lt u r e w e e k ly

C at h e r i n e R aw

atherine Raw was interested in the mining industry early in her career. “A combination of a curiosity about the world around me, a love for the outdoors and a desire to put these two passions to practical use led me to geology and subsequently mining,” Raw said. After graduating from University of Cambridge, Raw pivoted and joined Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM) as a mining analyst. After 12 years at MLIM/BlackRock, Raw was offered an opportunity at Barrick Gold Corporation. “Having been a vocal critic of the gold industry and Barrick in particular, the chairman of Barrick invited me to join the company in 2015 and help fix it,” Raw said. In 2016, Raw became the CFO of Barrick. In 2018, she was chosen to join the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders Class of 2018. In 2019, Barrick merged with Randgold Resources, and Raw took over as COO for North America. Later that year, they formed Nevada Gold Mines

Age

Hometown London, England

Years in Las Vegas 1

with Newmont in Northern Nevada to create the single largest gold mining complex in the world. “As COO, I am responsible for ensuring the North America business is performing,” Raw said. “It is not just about delivering production but keeping our people safe, acting as a custodian of the environment, working with our partners including our local communities, businesses, regulators and governments to honor our commitments, as well as helping to define our future to deliver shareholder value.” Raw is proud to be treading relatively uncharted territory for women in the mining industry and hopes to lead by example and inspire others. “Barrick and now Nevada Gold Mines supports programs such as the Women In Science and Engineering Learning Living Center and introduced STEM scholarships for women at UNR,” Raw said. “We also support the Science and Math camp for girls aimed at inspiring girls to get involved in science and engineering-based careers.”

(Courtesy)

n C O O , N orth A merica , B arric k G ol d C or p oration

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B R I T TA N Y M CCOY ■ DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, S T. J U D E ’ S R A N C H FOR CHILDREN

Age

Hometown SUMMIT, NEW JERSEY

Years in Las Vegas 20

(Christopher DeVargas/Staff )

“D

o you need help?” After surviving an abusive relationship, Brittany McCoy promised herself she would always be the person who asks this question. When she discovered the world of nonprofits after college, she found a platform that gave her the opportunity to ask it every day. “Helping people, giving people the opportunity for a better tomorrow, a better quality of life, fighting for individuals who can’t fight for themselves, is my passion,” McCoy said. McCoy has worked for several nonprofits including Communities in Schools of Nevada, Olive Crest Strong Families, Nathan Adelson Hospice and currently, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. She has raised millions of dollars that have directly impacted and changed the lives of children across the Valley. McCoy is now helping to champion the only residential treatment center of its kind in Southern Nevada, and one of the few in the country, for victims of child sex trafficking. The center will provide specialized therapeutic programing to help young people move from victim to survivor. McCoy also educates other nonprofit fundraisers as a graduate professor at UNLV. She loves changing the perception of fundraising from that of a sales job to one that provides a gift. “It is an amazing opportunity to impact a life by providing individuals and companies with the platform to do what is innate within themselves … the desire to help, assist, give back,” McCoy said. McCoy is an alumna of Leadership Las Vegas and sits on the board of directors for Golden Rainbow, an organization that provides housing, education and direct financial assistance to those living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. “I believe in the power of collective impact,” McCoy said. “I believe that it takes a village and if we don’t work together to create positive change … we will never get to where we need to go.”

Perfect for a Career Where Leaders Excel Congratulations to Credit One Bank’s BJ Perna Your dedication, leadership, and hard work have earned you Vegas Inc.’s “40 Under 40” award—and made us proud!

BJ Perna Credit One Bank Vice President, IT Development

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JUANNY ROMERO ■ CEO, MOTHERSHIP COFFEE ROASTERS

Age

Hometown QUEENS, NEW YORK

Years in Las Vegas 15

ailing from Queens, New York, Juanny Romero fell in love with Las Vegas for the fun, adventure and local community. As such, she was drawn to the coffee industry as a vehicle for community strengthening. “Coffee is important, because as one of the main commodities in the world, it has a huge impact globally,” said Romero, who supports the Café Femenino program, an organization that empowers women coffee farmers. Romero purchases coffee from Café Femenino and donates a portion of her revenue each year to help grow the program in coffee-producing countries. Romero’s first coffee shop, Sunrise Coffee, is one of the oldest independent cafés in Las Vegas. Today, Mothership Coffee Roasters boasts two other locations across the Valley. With an uncompromising commitment to ethical and fair business practices, Romero has been able to continually expand her local impact. Her proudest accomplishment: being able to secure health insurance for her staff, their spouses and dependents. Her goal was to do so before she was federally obligated, and she did it when she had 23 employees. Budgeting out health insurance from her revenue each year, Romero wants her employees to know that their health isn’t a gamble —it’s something the company cares about. Romero works with the school system to help support teachers and students, and hosts nonprofit organizations in her cafes. She believes that the foundation of community support is in day-to-day work and small, consistent actions. To unwind from her busy schedule, Romero grounds herself in nature by hiking, rock climbing and surfing, as well as spending time with her children. She also has a close group of girlfriends. “They are the center of my heart, because they help me move through heavy pieces of decisions in my life and in business,” Romero said.

(Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

Congratulations to Kade Miller for being honored as a Vegas Inc. 40 Under 40 award recipient for 2020. Thank you for your dedication to the legal profession and our community. We are very proud of you. swlaw.com Partner | Las Vegas 702.784.5264 kdmiller@swlaw.com

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I VA N R U I Z ■ EXECUTIVE CULINARY D I R E C TO R O F O P E R AT I O N S , W E S TG AT E R E S O R T

Age

Hometown EL PASO, TEXAS

Years in Las Vegas 1

van Ruiz has spent his life in the kitchen. He’s gone from cooking traditional Spanish and Italian food in his home growing up, to culinary school, to becoming the youngest executive culinary director of operations at Westgate Resort. “My daily responsibilities consist of checking all 15 food outlets for quality and service, followed by meetings with each chef and going over the daily profit and loss reports. I develop and design menus, work on advertising ideas and restaurant concepts, and lead the team to stay on the latest trends in the food and beverage industry,” Ruiz said. “I also push my team to think about new and innovative concepts and service experiences to give people the Vegas experience they come for.” Managing 17 chefs and more than 300 employees can present challenges, but Ruiz is a hands-on leader who works closely with his staff to ensure that Westgate’s culinary operations deliver the highest quality products. “I surround myself with chefs that are as passionate as myself, so challenges are just small speed bumps on the road to success,” Ruiz said. Outside of the kitchen, Ruiz is involved with multiple nonprofits including Victoria’s Voice, a foundation striving to help end the opioid epidemic. The gala held at Westgate raised $1.4 million for the foundation in 2019. Ruiz and his team also volunteer for Three Square food bank, hosting special dinners where all proceeds go toward the organization. Since joining the Westgate Las Vegas team, Ruiz has led the creation of new menus at multiple property restaurants and has amassed a collection of awards and accolades. Looking forward, Ruiz is excited to continue bringing his energy and innovation to the property. “I’d like to take Westgate Las Vegas to the next level all around. We’re Old Vegas and have history no other property has,” Ruiz said.

(Wade Vandervort/Staff)

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J E N TA L E R

f you’d have told Jen Taler that one day, she’d be running one of the most exciting new Downtown properties with business partner Tony Hsieh, she might not have believed you. “Five to 10 years ago, I never would have thought I would be here,” Taler said. But with hard work, dedication and an innovative vision, Taler is the co-founder and creative strategist of Fergusons Downtown. After going to school for fashion design and working in retail, Taler eventually landed in Las Vegas working with Zappos.com and sister site 6pm.com. “I was able to learn firsthand about customer service, true partnerships and relationships with my co-workers and vendors. It was also here that I met my business partner Tony Hsieh, which, seven years later, led to us working together on Fergusons Downtown,” Taler said.

Age

Hometown OAK RIDGE, TEXAS

Years in Las Vegas 10

During the creation of Fergusons, Taler oversaw the construction, design and curation of tenants. Now, her attention is focused on bringing people together. “I have always loved supporting people and finding unique local spots and creators, so to be able to curate and cultivate that within the city block of Fergusons Downtown is a dream,” Taler said. “I am very passionate about being involved in the community. I truly believe in the positive power of human interactions, authenticity, the sense of belonging, and being seen and heard.” Described as an innovative creative who is enthusiastic about designing spaces and experiences for the community, Taler focuses on bringing locals together through art, music and events. She’s a champion for small homegrown businesses and has spent the past 10 years of her career supporting the growth of Downtown.

A nt h o n y R o s s i n P rincipal , O S I C onsulting of N e vada

Age

Hometown lodi, California

nthony Rossi didn’t always imagine a career in retail. “Upon graduation from college, I received an incredible offer for a retail general manager position and made the tough choice to pivot from my anticipated career path in broadcasting and journalism,” Rossi said. “I quickly became fascinated with the complexity of commercial real estate, shopping centers and the responsibilities of the operations teams. In 2012, I was given an opportunity to prove myself in the industry and never looked back.” Over the next six years, Rossi gained industry knowledge while working in shopping center management for Westfield properties in San Jose, San Francisco and the Sacramento Valley. After four relocations, however, Rossi’s desire to find a home and set roots for his family became the top priority. That brought him to Las Vegas.

Years in Las Vegas 2

“I’m involved with every aspect of the business, from strategy to implementation,” Rossi said. “Operational needs change throughout the year based on the seasonality of it all, but proper budgeting and forecasting is crucial yearround. Day to day is unpredictable, which is one of the reasons it remains so enjoyable.” Rossi is knowledgeable about an eclectic mix of assets, including coworking spaces, event venues and offices with retail operations in high-rise buildings and high-traffic urban areas. He has proven himself to be a leader in his industry on the West Coast. Utilizing a motivational and passionate management style, Rossi also facilitates goodwill on site with community events and charitable initiatives. On a personal level, Rossi and his wife volunteer time and support local charities, with the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation high on their list.

(Photographs by Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

n C o - found e r & C r e ativ e S trat e gist , F e rgusons D owntown

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J E S S I C A S AY L E S

essica Sayles is a CPA and managing principal at Houldsworth, Russo & Company (HRC), with accounting and tax experience working with nonprofits, individuals, partnerships and corporations. “I knew choosing accounting may not be the sexiest career choice, but [it’s] one that would allow me the flexibility to work in any industry and with a wide variety of clientele,” Sayles said. With a particular passion for helping nonprofits and small businesses achieve their goals, Sayles provides specialized expertise and a commitment to maintaining the highest quality of service. In a typically male-dominated industry, Sayles strives to create a different culture at HRC. “I’m most proud of the nontraditional firm I have a chance to grow each day. Our female representation is unheard of for a firm our size, and we understand how to blend our work and lives in a way that’s unique to our

Age

Hometown KAILUA, HAWAII

Years in Las Vegas 18

profession,” Sayles said. Sayles has also spent the past several years sitting on the board of directors of the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Southern Nevada. “TIP provides support for victims of traumatic events and first responders, and acts as a liaison between the two when necessary,” Sayles said. “After I tragically lost my first husband, TIP volunteers gave me resources, support, and hope—three things I did not have for myself initially.” To further honor her late husband, Sayles and his family created a private foundation that provides scholarships to college students facing emotional, physical or financial hardships. As of January 2020, it has donated more than $100,000 to college students in Arizona and Nevada. “I’m proud that we’ve been able to turn our shared loss into lifechanging opportunities,” Sayles said. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors with her husband, two kids and dog.

CHRIS SINGER ■ S V P, C H I E F EXPERIENCE OFFICER, OPTUMCARE

Age

hris Singer is changing the face of health care in Southern Nevada, one patient experience at a time. After spending more than decade in the hospitality industry, Singer took his service background into the health care arena. In early 2015, Singer decided the “patient experience” focus was missing from health care. “With a comprehensive customer service background and firsthand experience as an upper extremity amputee who faced substantial ‘service related’ challenges, I realized I could impact health care in an immense way,” Singer said. With no formal training, Singer sought to bridge the customer service experience between health care and hospitality. At OptumCare, Singer focuses on creating new platforms for patients, providers, staff and the community to improve their individual experiences. “As a service ambassador for Southern Nevada, I am committed to identifying and ensuring every voice has an effective platform,” Singer said. Singer

Hometown RIVER EDGE, NEW JERSEY

Years in Las Vegas 15

works closely with all members of the health care experience—from patients to providers—to ensure the most comprehensive care available. “I have the privilege to help redesign an industry that so desperately needs it,” Singer said. “We seek to deliver a premier patient experience, the highest quality of care, superior value and an outstanding care environment to every person, every time.” Eager to help health care evolve beyond a singular, taskoriented focus, Singer employs industrytested hospitality practices to soften the experience using compassion, kindness and empathy. Singer’s mission to improve people’s lives extends into his personal goals as well. “Whether volunteering at Opportunity Village, Three Square food bank, helping spearhead Southwest Medical and OptumCare sponsorships of the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation Ladybug over the past three years, I am personally vested and always looking for every opportunity to be involved in our community. It’s what keeps us Vegas Strong!”

(Jessica Sayles by Christopher DeVargas; Chris Singer by Wade Vandervort/Staff )

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M A R C O ’ G R I O FA , M D, P H . D. ■ CEO AND CHIEF MEDICAL/ TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, O M E G A S T R AT E G I C SOLUTIONS LLC

Age

Hometown DUBLIN, IRELAND

Years in Las Vegas 10

arc O’Griofa’s accomplishments are as vast and overwhelming as the terrain in which he works. O’Griofa is a physician and biomedical engineer who has worked all over the world—on land, on the sea and in space. “My career path has allowed me to combine both medicine and engineering in unique and diverse ways, from working as a triage physician as part of the Space Shuttle medical team at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, to developing advanced medical equipment for special operations medical missions and chronic medical conditions like heart failure to try and reduce unnecessary readmissions and costs,” O’Griofa said. As such, O’Griofa’s workday can vary wildly. You might find him in an engineering lab overseeing research and the development of medical equipment, or out in the field teaching and training combat medicine. He could be promoting technical innovations or helping oversee the regulatory and governance components for teaching and training elite warfighters and medics. O’Griofa is a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine and was the principal investigator for Project CASPER, which examined the sleep patterns of International Space Station crew members. He was also selected as the first Irish Aquanaut for the NASA NEEMO program as part of the NEEMO 21 mission in 2016. Locally, he serves as the president of Red Rock Search and Rescue, and a tactical physician, medic and diver for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department SAR/SWAT Teams. “I am proud to serve and work with both of these organizations to help further their mission and contribute to the Las Vegas community,” O’Griofa said. When he’s not working in extreme and austere environments, O’Griofa is an avid shark diver and a concert flautist.

(Christopher DeVargas/Staff )

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ST E FA N I E TUZMAN

M AT T FRYE

■ PRESIDENT & CEO, JEWISH N E VA DA

■ C H I E F O P E R AT I N G OFFICER, UNIVERSAL H E A LT H S E R V I C E S / CENTENNIAL HILLS H O S P I TA L

Age

Hometown WEST BLOOMFIELD, MICHIGAN

tefanie Tuzman has worked in Jewish nonprofits in Las Vegas for nearly 14 years. Through her dedication, passion and relentless hard work, Tuzman was named president and CEO of Jewish Nevada, Nevada’s Jewish Federation serving more than 70,000 Jews in the state, making her the youngest of the female CEOs in the 148 federations in the country. “I have worked for the Jewish Federation in several capacities for many years. I am so proud to have become the CEO at this point in my career,” Tuzman said. “The biggest part of my job is to be out of the office, engaging with community members, donors and partner organizations. When in the office, I am working with our team to ensure their individual goals and work align with our mission and will ultimately move us forward.” Tuzman is motivated and inspired by the strength and courage of her grandfather, who was a Holocaust survivor.

Years in Las Vegas 14

Since becoming president and CEO in 2018, Jewish Nevada has raised $1.4 million to benefit Nevada, Israel and 70 countries across the world. More than 3,155 seniors, including 368 Holocaust survivors, were provided care, and more than 6,399 individuals were fed through food pantry services. Tuzman has spearheaded multiple campaigns to help people in need, both Jewish and non-Jewish, with a commitment to raise $3 million annually. “Part of the work of our organization is to support other community organizations, so not only am I involved with the Jewish community in Nevada, but I have the opportunity to volunteer and work with organizations all over Las Vegas,” Tuzman said. With a toddler at home and a second baby on the way, Tuzman says she’s looking forward to adjusting to life with two kids while continuing to grow Jewish Nevada’s impact in the community.

Age

Hometown PAHRUMP, NEVADA

fter years of owning a successful pool construction business, Matt Frye had an unexpected experience that completely changed the trajectory of his future. “A close friend was in a life-altering car accident, and I watched as those closest to him who were caregivers and medical professionals were able to truly help him,” Frye said. “That became a moment of reflection for me that I needed to do my part to help and improve the lives of others.” Frye entered the health care field and quickly advanced into senior leadership with his ability to drive business through physician and EMS engagement, and in turn, expand community access to care. Now, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations at Centennial Hills Hospital and is currently heading a $95 million tower project that will add 56 patient beds and expand key departments, including inpatient pharmacy and surgical services.

Years in Las Vegas 5

As the administrator on call at Desert Springs Hospital during the October 1 shooting, Frye immediately jumped into action to do what he could to help those involved. He initiated the incident command system and then personally helped carry in victims and tend to families. In the following weeks, Frye served as the point person for all matters related to the event, including managing the influx of donations and support from the community and arranging events to help lift patient and staff spirits. Although Frye has managed several large-scale projects in his career, he feels that experience was his most significant accomplishment. Frye serves as the president-elect for the local chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a youth leader for his church and a coach for youth sports. “I feel it is my duty to help mentor our nation’s future leaders and help aspiring leaders learn and grow,” Frye said.

(Photographs by Christopher DeVargas/Staff )

DRIVEN TO STAND OUT. Congratulations 40 Under 40 honoree

Dianna Klein, MBA

UNLV Executive MBA Alumna Class of 2017

Now accepting applications from qualiﬁed candidates for 2020. 702.895.2628 | EMBA.UNLV.EDU

Making a difference in patients’ lives, and across our community. COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERS congratulates our own Dr. Henry P. Igid, along with all those being honored as VEGAS INC’S 40 Under 40. Dr. Igid, with so much already accomplished in your young career, we can’t wait to see what lies ahead. With you and your fellow 40 Under 40 honorees leading the way, the future of our community has never shined brighter.

Henry P. Igid, MD

Medical Oncologist and Hematologist Comprehensive Cancer Centers

cccnevada.com • 702.952.3350

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R AC H E L V I L L A N U E VA ■ DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, E N T E R TA I N M E N T & S P O R T S , M G M R E S O R T S I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Age

Hometown MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA

Years in Las Vegas 29

rowing up in Las Vegas, the glitz and glamour of entertainment has always been right in my backyard,” said Rachel Villanueva, director of marketing, entertainment and sports at MGM Resorts. With an enduring passion for entertainment, Villanueva has dedicated her career to creating and facilitating unforgettable moments— whether it be a small concert series, major stadium tours like the Eagles’ recent run at MGM Grand Garden Arena or professional sporting events. No two days are ever the same in the Entertainment Capital of the World, and Villanueva has her hands full with all of MGM Resorts’ many entertainment options. “Simply put, I’m responsible for driving awareness and ticket sales for all of our touring or one-off shows, award shows, sporting events and residencies at T-Mobile Arena, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Mandalay Bay Events Center, Mandalay Bay Beach and Park Theater—all while also managing the relationships with our partners like Live Nation and AEG, Pac-12, boxing and our tenants, the Las Vegas Aces and Vegas Golden Knights,” Villanueva said. While the high stress and intensity of live events isn’t for everyone, it’s an environment in which Villanueva thrives. “I have been very blessed in the role I am in to touch some of the largest events in the country, and [I] have had some true bucket-list moments.” When she’s not creating large-scale productions, you’ll find Villanueva traveling, volunteering at Three Square food bank and exploring the Valley. “I think that no matter which charity or opportunity you take, investing time into the place you call home allows you to meet and understand another’s walk in this thing we call life,” Villanueva said. “In addition, supporting our local businesses and each other make Las Vegas that much stronger. Discovering the hidden gems of this city is so much fun!”

“G

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BJ PERNA ■ V P, D E V E LO P M E N T D I R E C TO R , CREDIT ONE BANK Age

Hometown LATHAM, NEW YORK

ard work is at the cornerstone of BJ Perna’s success—and a trait that was instilled in him from an early age. “My biggest inspiration and mentor is my father. He ingrained in me core values: No matter what you are doing, work hard and do it to the best of your ability; from every experience you have and every person you encounter, there is something to learn; you are always accountable to yourself, even if nobody else knows,” Perna said. “Just as influential is my mother, who taught me empathy and to put others before myself.” Perna leads by example and is described as supportive and compassionate by his colleagues at Credit One Bank. Driven by the desire to improve people’s lives with turnkey technological solutions, Perna has risen through the ranks at Credit One over the past 14 years and now serves as vice president, development director.

Years in Las Vegas 14

Since he assumed the VP role, Perna’s team has tripled in size and is responsible for enhanced online responsiveness and optimizing the experience for more than 40 million monthly users. “My proudest accomplishment is the relationships that I have built. I’m proud that the people I work with want to work with me and I want to work with them,” Perna said. “Professionally, I am looking most forward to mentoring the next group of technology leaders.” Outside the office, Perna is active with local nonprofits. “I believe that community is important, because family and community shape our young people. Without that support, the talents and unforeseen accomplishments of too many young people could be tragically wasted. I support many of our local Las Vegas charities through the opportunities coordinated by Credit One Bank,” Perna said.

AMAN LAL Age

tarting each day with a walk and meditation is the key to success for Aman Lal. “My biggest challenge is in the mirror. The more I can get out of my own way, the better off I do,” Lal said. And, it’s working. Lal was an entrepreneur in college and owned a painting company until he met some developers who encouraged him to transition to the development side of the business. Now the CEO and founder of Elephant Partners, a land brokerage firm, Lal has closed in excess of $1 billion in transactions throughout Nevada and California. His firm represents the largest home builders in Las Vegas and Los Angeles County, along with institutional investors and family offices. With a goal to sell $100 million of land to help raise money for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Lal is deeply invested in the community.

Hometown SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Years in Las Vegas 10

“Helping others is one of the greatest feelings I have experienced. I am grateful to have that opportunity,” Lal said. Lal is also involved with Junior Achievement and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada, with whom he has been a “big brother” for seven years. He believes in leading by example and encourages his team to attend professional networking opportunities and volunteer with philanthropic initiatives. “Learning how to empower people has been a big part of my personal growth,” Lal said. Lal is a member of the National Community Council for the Urban Land Institute, a past chair of the Young Leaders Group with Urban Land Institute and a volunteer with the Building Industry Association Orange County. He was chosen Top 40 Under 40 by Real Estate Southern California magazine and tapped by OC Metro for his business success and commitment to charitable organizations like Village of Hope and Orange County Rescue Mission.

(Photographs by Christopher DeVargas/Staff )

■ CEO, ELEPHANT PARTNERS

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K R U PA S R I N I VA S Age

ith a longtime passion for health care and a foundation in computer engineering, Krupa Srinivas teamed up with her sister, Anita Pramoda, to found Owned Outcomes, a software company that creates predictive algorithms to help optimize patient care. The firm specializes in solving problems for health care providers using concepts and frameworks from computer science and mathematics. “Seeing suboptimal health care decisions being made due to lack of modern approaches is painful,” Srinivas said. Owned Outcomes was created in direct response to this concern. Founded in 2014, Owned Outcomes algorithms cover Medicare patients in 14 states, and the company has been named the top 500 fastest-growing companies in the United States two years in a row. “I’d like to see us expand our services to all 50 states in the predictive algorithms we provide for discharges from U.S. hospitals in an effort

JORDAN SMITH ■ PARTNER, PISANELLI BICE

Age

itigation comes naturally to Jordan Smith. “I’m from a family of lawyers, including my grandfather, father, mother, two uncles, aunt, brother and my wife,” Smith said. Having served as Deputy Solicitor General of Nevada, Smith is now a partner at Pisanelli Bice, one of the most prestigious law firms in the state. “I’ve been a part of some of the most significant recent cases in Nevada. With Pisanelli Bice, I am lead counsel in the State’s litigation against the Department of Energy related to a secret plutonium shipment to the Nevada National Security Site and part of the team contesting the Yucca Mountain nuclear repository,” Smith said. While previously working at the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, Smith contributed to numerous other high-profile cases but considers being promoted to partner of Pisanelli Bice his greatest professional accomplishment to date. When he’s not in the courtroom, Smith

Hometown WEST DES MOINES, IOWA

Years in Las Vegas 10

and his wife, Brianna, regularly volunteer with the Special Olympics Nevada. He also provides pro bono legal services with the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, an organization that provides quality counsel and representation to individuals in need. Over the years, Smith has published a number of scholarly articles in peer-reviewed legal journals and has acquired a list of accolades, including being named Appellate Practice Lawyer of the Year for Las Vegas by Best Lawyers in America. Smith compares the legal profession to a four-dimensional chess match that requires creative solutions to complex issues. “I was first attracted to the legal profession because it is an intellectual and competitive endeavor. It requires outsidethe-box thinking, a creative and strategic approach, and old-fashioned hard work,” Smith said. Looking forward, Smith says that he’s committed to continuing Pisanelli Bice’s tradition of excellence.

Hometown MADRAS, INDIA

Years in Las Vegas 6

to ensure each patient has the best possible care at a time when they are most vulnerable,” Srinivas said. Having grown up in India, Srinivas is passionate about the power of education. “I’ve seen how the education of one family member can change the trajectory for the entire family. To that end, I’ve been actively involved in hiring, mentoring and promoting local talent at the high school through postgraduate levels,” Srinivas said. She is also active in Green Our Planet, a garden planting initiative in Las Vegas that gives children the opportunity to learn about their food and nutrition in a tangible way. “I find it rewarding to contribute to the country that’s become my home,” Srinivas said. “My activities as the chairwoman of the Nevada Information Technology Advisory Board allow me to bring together my STEM background, my tech business chops and marry it with the satisfaction of helping our state set the direction on how to serve our citizens using technology.”

(Krupa Srinivas by Christopher DeVargas/Staff; Jordan Smith by Wade Vandervort/Staff)

■ CO-FOUNDER, OWNED OUTCOMES

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JOSHUA BONDE, PH.D. ■ C U R ATO R O F PA L E O N T O L O G Y, L A S V E G A S N AT U R A L HISTORY MUSEUM

Age

Hometown FALLON, NEVADA

rowing up on a 48-acre alfalfa farm in northern Nevada, Joshua Bonde got pretty good with a shovel and spool of bailing wire—skills he now uses regularly as a paleontologist. Bonde set out from a young age to conquer the mystery of the dinosaur. “When I was 7 or 8, my parents took me and my brother to the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California in Berkeley; the museum was having an animatronic dinosaur exhibit,” Bonde said. “The life-size dinosaurs scared me, and from that moment on, I was going to figure out these dinosaurs.” Now, Bonde oversees the largest collection of Ice Age fossils in the state of Nevada. The collection at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum has all of the significant dinosaur and dinosaur-aged fossils from the state. It is an internationally accredited meteorite repository, and it holds one of the largest archaeological collections. As museum curator, Bonde ensures that everything in these collections is preserved for future Nevadans. Bonde was instrumental in building the only paleontology research lab in the entire state, earning the museum an American Alliance of Museums accreditation. This allowed the museum to become the regional Bureau of Land Management institution to store archaeology and paleontology specimens, as well as the storage site for Nevada State Parks and the U.S. Air Force. It’s Bonde’s most proud accomplishment. “All of these specimens record the prehistory and history of our great state—and it is a true honor to be responsible for them.” When he’s not digging through Nevada’s prehistoric past, Bonde is going on adventures with his three daughters, Juniper, Willow and Magnolia— the future caregivers of the pet box turtles he’s had for over 30 years.

Years in Las Vegas 13

(Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

Centennial Hills Hospital

congratulates

Matthew Frye Chief Operating Officer On being recognized as one of Vegas Incâ€™s

40 Under 40

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LAURA CHRISTIAN ■ DIRECTOR OF LEARNING EXPERIENCES, DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Age

Hometown WESTLAND, MICHIGAN

uriosity. Wonder. Enthusiasm. Energy. These are the characteristics that Laura Christian admires most about young children. Christian began her career as a preschool and first grade teacher, and while she loved that experience, she has enjoyed the transition from a formal learning environment to an informal one. “I am privileged to work on a dynamic and supportive team that is dedicated to the mission of fostering a welcoming, vibrant and inclusive environment where all are invited to engage in playful and educational experiences that ignite a lifelong love of learning,” Christian said. Christian oversees the learning experiences team at Discovery Children’s Museum. She was instrumental in the development of the Discovery Lab, the first public makerspace of its kind in Southern Nevada. “This unique innovative space was designed to encourage inquiry, creativity, risk-taking, critical thinking and collaboration through a handson approach that allows visitors to engage in the design thinking process and bring their ideas from conception to creation,” Christian said. Youth education and community involvement are at the core of Christian’s professional and personal mission. As a volunteer member of CHOLLA

Years in Las Vegas 7

(Connecting Hands Offering Lifelong Learning Adventures), Christian is committed to providing better learning opportunities for all CCSD students. She serves on the Nevada STEAM subcommittee, a civic advisory working group consisting of both arts and STEM professionals and community advocates committed to supporting arts integration across all disciplines of study, as well as participates in Raising Las Vegas, which is led by the Library Foundation and works with community partners to connect children ages birth through 5 with resources that support early growth and development. From celebrating her students’ many firsts, to witnessing “aha!” moments of discovery by museum guests, Christian has made an impact on the youngest Valley residents—one that will last a lifetime.

(Wade Vandervort/Staff)

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R YA N C O G L E Y ■ VICE PRESIDENT PROJECT EXECUTIVE, MCCARTHY BUILDING COMPANIES INC.

Age

yan Cogley is passionate about the future of the construction industry. Since high school, he knew he wanted to be in construction, though he wasn’t exactly sure of the path to take. “When I started college, I was pursuing a degree in civil engineering, but after a few years I realized my passion was being out in the field and involved in the day-to-day construction process rather than designing the projects. I switched majors and graduated with a degree in construction engineering technologies,” Cogley said. After college, Cogley was fortunate to land a job with McCarthy Building Companies, where he also found his unexpected mentor. “When I started with McCarthy, one of the senior superintendents set aside time to spend with me every day even though he didn’t have to. During this time, he bestowed a wealth of construction knowledge to me that created a solid foundation for me to start my career. Without his mentoring and pa-

CHRISTOPHER WEST ■ REGIONAL V I C E P R E S I D E N T, B E H AV I O R A L H E A LT H S E R V I C E S , H C A H E A LT H C A R E

34 hristopher West began his career in the military 15 years ago with the U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he deployed twice for 12-month tours in Iraq to provide mental health services to those in combat. “Since then, I have had the opportunity to work in many diverse and complex settings,” West said. “I have always had a passion for helping others, and working in behavioral health has allowed me an avenue to do that.” West is currently the regional vice president of behavioral health services at HCA Healthcare, serving five Western states, including Nevada. “In my role, I get to support some of the most amazing caregivers in the world, and our teams make a lifelong impact on those they treat,” West said. While West has dedicated his career to helping others, he considers his work in the aftermath of October 1 as his proudest professional achievement.

Hometown NOCONA, TEXAS

Years in Las Vegas 13

tience, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Cogley has worked on 18 projects including higher education, transportation, industrial, K-12 and retail markets valued at $978 million dollars. As a licensed contractor, certified professional constructor and LEED accredited professional, Cogley has proven to be a dedicated leader not only for McCarthy but also the industry. Cogley spends much of his spare time mentoring and educating students from CCSD on career opportunities available in construction. He has worked to implement job shadowing and internship programs for high school students and spearheaded internship and one-on-one mentoring programs for college students. Cogley also serves as the chair of the UNLV Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Advisory Board. Under his leadership, an Associated General Contractors Student Chapter was created for the first time, allowing students to better connect with contractors in the Las Vegas Valley.

Years in Las Vegas 4

“I was a hospital CEO at the time, and we took on the mission of being on the Strip within hours of the shooting to provide counseling and psychological first-aid to those impacted,” West said. “Our team has built a culture dedicated to service, commitment and resiliency that prepared us to be successful in that mission.” With support from the community, West and his team continued to provide care on-site for weeks following the shooting. “I got to witness our community lift itself up, care for its own and commit to never letting our neighbors suffer alone.” An exceedingly kind leader, West continually stresses and impresses the power of teamwork, professionally and personally. Married for 14 years and a father to two daughters, West counts his family as his greatest support system. “I am looking forward to watching my girls get older and seeing how they are going to change the world,” West said.

(Photographs by Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

Age

Hometown CHENEY, WASHINGTON

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(Photographs by Christopher DeVargas/Staff)

E M I LY W O F F O R D

MARCELLA WILLIAMS

■ PARTNER & OWNER, THE PUBLICITY LAB

■ CO O & CO - F O U N D E R , T H E J U I C E S TA N DA R D

Age

39 natural born storyteller with an affinity for strategy, a flair for visual drama and a passion for impactful marketing, Emily Wofford found her calling in public relations. “I started my career in broadcast journalism, because I have always loved news and telling stories,” Wofford said. “When I decided to go to grad school, I moved from broadcast news to public relations to make a little more money before going back to school.” But life doesn’t always go as planned, and Wofford never returned to broadcasting, working instead in marketing communications in Washington, D.C., Reno and Las Vegas. Wofford is the creator and co-owner of the Publicity Lab with her business partner, Kelly Frey, after previously having worked at R&R Partners, Caesars Entertainment and Aristocrat. Today, the Publicity Lab boasts a roster of A-list clients including Live Nation Las Vegas, Caesars Entertainment, Sahara Las Vegas, the American Gaming Association

Hometown MANTECA, CALIFORNIA

Years in Las Vegas 12

and many more. “I love so many aspects of the marketing communications discipline, because there is so much nuance to what we do—from strategy, to media relations, to brand activations and events, to speechwriting and brand messaging,” Wofford said. Creating immersive, buzzworthy experiences has become Wofford’s calling card. “I do have a particular fondness for the rush of creating major PR stunts.” Wofford uses her PR expertise to support nonprofits with the Publicity Lab and dedicates her personal time to helping advance women in business with involvement in the UNLV Women’s Research Institute of Nevada and Global Gaming Women. She also leads a Lean In Circle. “I think it’s really important to give back. We’re always seeking new ways to leverage what we do to make a difference. It’s important to set an example for others, make an impact and create a better tomorrow for our children,” Wofford said.

Age

38 arcella Williams founded the Juice Standard after becoming a mother and embarking on a healthful journey. “When my children were 2 and 4, I was fortunate to live in Greece for almost six months, where I was able to focus on learning to eat seasonally and cook from scratch again,” Williams said. “I fell back in love with not just food, but healthy, nutrient-dense foods that my children loved, too.” A couple years later, Williams teamed up with her longtime best friend, Jamie Stephenson Goguen, to open the Juice Standard, and today, they boast four locations across the Valley. Organic, raw and made with love, the Juice Standard’s menu is packed with nutritious juices, nut milks, smoothies, snacks and specialty espresso drinks. With a keen eye for environmental impact and a mission to source organic produce as close to Las Vegas as pos-

Hometown GRANTS PASS, OREGON

Years in Las Vegas 24

sible, Williams says that she’s found her calling. “This is what I was destined to do: teach, help, heal and have fun doing it,” Williams said. Williams and Goguen are October 1 survivors—an experience that Williams says shaped their drive to give back. “Two days after that horrific night, we held a fundraiser that raised over $33,000 for the Vegas Strong fund. It was very meaningful to us because we were so lucky to go home to our loved ones when many others were not. Now, we are always looking for new opportunities to expand our reach,” Williams said. Recently, Williams and the Juice Standard began working with Create a Change Now, which takes juice pulp and turns it into organic compost for school gardens. “Teaching children where food comes from and getting them excited about playing in the dirt helps them create a healthy relationship with food from an early age,” Williams said.

Congratulations, Emily!

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DERYK ENGELLAND ■ ICE HOCKEY DEFENSEMAN, VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Age

Hometown EDMONTON, ALBERTA

Years in Las Vegas 17

eryk Engelland’s connection to Las Vegas began with a 2003 professional hockey debut with the Las Vegas Wranglers. And while his sport took him all over the country, he always returned to Las Vegas in the offseason. Then, when Engelland was drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in their inaugural season, it was the perfect storm. Engelland’s connection to Las Vegas transcends the hockey arena. He met his wife here, and his children were born here. This was his home and exactly where he wanted to be. After the October 1 shooting, Engelland helped mend the city’s shattered spirit, speaking out before a crowd of 17,500 at the team’s home opener to honor first responders from that tragic night. His speech and the entire team’s promise to stand by this city solidified the Knights’ commitment to take care of the community—their community, their home. Engelland and his family also founded Engelland’s Vegas Born Heroes Foundation to honor community heroes in Las Vegas. The mission of the foundation is to publicly recognize and reward charities and community members who consistently help others. Engelland hosts an annual Police vs. Fire charity hockey game, and he also released his King of Engelland beer, which can be found on tap at Chicago Brewing Co. here in Las Vegas. Proceeds from both directly benefit his foundation. Engelland had the best season of his NHL career that first year with the Golden Knights. The veteran defenseman continues to prove he is Vegas Strong—on and off the ice.

(AP Photos)