LVGEA Team

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Ms. Casey brings extensive and diverse experience in leadership, public administration, marketing, business development and retention, and strategic planning as the leader of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, a nonprofit organization working to create a prosperous and diverse economy for Southern Nevada.

Previously, she served as President & CEO of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance since October 2020, during which she transitioned the organization with the delivery of a new Strategic Plan, achieved the status of Accredited Economic Development Organization, engaged formally with regional community partners, renamed and restructured its bylaws and nonprofit status to a 501c3 public charity, and received numerous recognition awards – specifically in 2024 the Bronze Award for Economic Development Organization of the Year from the International Economic Development Council.

Prior to her leadership at AREA, Ms. Casey served as the Executive Vice President for the Greater Sacramento Economic Council and oversaw the organization’s business development, marketing and communications, investor engagement, research, and strategic initiatives critical to advancing economic growth in Greater Sacramento. She led the comprehensive launch and execution of a best-in-class national site selection consultant strategy and established first-ever memorandums of understanding with seven local commercial real estate brokerage offices, receiving a Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council in 2020 for a joint publication she spearheaded with CBRE. She established critical internal efficiencies with revisions to all organizational practices from database management to budget development and oversight. Even in the wake of COVID-19, the organization succeeded in meeting all its annual metrics and job creation goals and launching a regional business retention and expansion outreach program.

From 2013 – 2018, Danielle served the well-known City of Scottsdale, Arizona as its Economic Development Director. Under her leadership, the department received six awards of excellence from the International Economic Development Council, status as an Accredited Economic Development Organization, the 2015 ‘Large Community Economic Development Organization of the Year’ award from the Arizona Association for Economic Development, and unanimous Council approval of a Five-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan – the first for the community in more than 15 years. During her tenure, the department was directly involved in projects accounting for more than $24 million in 5-year direct revenue impact to the city, $7 billion in 5-year total economic impact, 4,428 or more new jobs in the first 12 months of business operation alone and $160 million in new capital investment.

Ms. Casey served in various executive roles at the City of Maricopa, Ariz. Starting in 2005, lastly as the Assistant City Manager. Departments under her oversight included economic development, community and development services, capital improvement, public works and City-wide marketing and communications activities. She managed several noteworthy tasks in the establishment of the City’s economic development office, such as the creation of an Industrial Development Authority, the City’s first Redevelopment District and Area Plan, the establishment of a local economic development 501 (c) 3 (the Maricopa Economic Development Alliance), City-wide branding and Economic Development Strategic Plan. Prior to her time in Maricopa, she attained significant experience in the non-profit sector working in fundraising, marketing, and event and membership management at the Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art in Phoenix, Arizona and at Save The Bay in Providence, Rhode Island.

Ms. Casey received her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and Master of Administration from Northern Arizona University. She is both a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) as well as a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP). She is a member of the International Economic Development Council and serves on its Board of Directors as Vice Chair. She also serves as an instructor at the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute and serves on its Board of Directors . Danielle is a proud Past President of the Arizona Association for Economic Development, a statewide professional association with more than 500480 public and private members, and on numerous volunteer leadership boards within past and current communities.

In May 2010, Ms. Casey was the honored recipient of the ‘Economic Developer of the Year – Small Community’ award from the Arizona Association for Economic Development and in January 2017 she was recognized as a national top ‘40 under 40 Rising Star’ in economic development by Development Counsellors International. In addition, she is co-founder of the Arizona Chapter of Women Leading Government.

An Air Force brat, Ms. Casey has had the great privilege of living in Texas, Ohio, Alabama, Louisiana, Utah, Rhode Island, Arizona, California and New Mexico throughout her life. A past frequent visitor, she is thrilled to now call Las Vegas, Nevada her permanent home, along with her trusty English bulldog Sophie, heeler/cattle dog mix Persie, and her amazing and supportive husband Steve.

Jason Berthiaume serves as the Events & Special Project Manager for the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA).

Growing up in a Navy family, Jason has lived all over the United States and several foreign countries. Settling in Florida for college, he earned his degree in International Affairs from Florida State University. Prior to joining the LVGEA team, Jason was the Education & Events Manager for the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association. In addition, he has experience in membership and government affairs for a national trade association, the Pellet Fuels Institute.

When not working, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, traveling and exploring Las Vegas.

As Engagement Coordinator for the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), Daughn oversees the management and development of community investor relationships, and ensuring timely execution of projects and events. Specializing in relationship building, external relations, and strategic growth, Daughn excels in her role by leveraging her skills in event planning, project management, and investor services.

Daughn holds a BA in Communication, concentrating in Media Studies, and a minor in Sociology from Nevada State University. Beyond her professional endeavors, Daughn is deeply involved in global engagement and community service. As a member of the Salzburg Academy of Global and Media Change cohort, she actively contributes to international dialogues on pressing global issues, collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds to explore innovative solutions. Additionally, Daughn serves on the Outreach Committee for Vegas Young Professionals (VYP), where she plays a vital role in shaping the organization’s outreach strategies and initiatives aimed at empowering and connecting young professionals in the Las Vegas area. Her leadership within the community complements her global perspectives, showcasing her dedication to both local and global community engagement.

Outside of work, Daughn enjoys trying out new recipes, finding new hiking trails, and traveling, further enriching her well-rounded perspective and passion for life.

Rita Kubitz, Public Relations and Communications Manager, develops and implements organizational communications efforts for the Marketing & Communications Department, which includes the marketing, communications, public relations, and creative functions. Rita was born in Morocco and is a proud first-generation immigrant. She and her family moved to Orlando, Florida, where she spent her early years before relocating to Las Vegas in 2010. Rita graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), with a Masters degree in International Relations. As well as received her Bachelors of Business from the University of Miami.

With a natural passion for communication, Rita loves connecting with people and helping others succeed. She finds fulfillment in creating impactful marketing strategies and building strong, meaningful relationships. Outside of her professional life, Rita is a devoted dog lover and spends much of her time with her four dogs, who she considers family outside of her husband.

Rita’s diverse background and warm, down-to-earth personality shape everything she does, both in her career and in her personal life. She’s driven by the desire to make a positive impact and enjoys every opportunity to help others along the way.

Amanda VanConant earned her BFA in Graphic Design from GVSU, where her love of color theory, hand lettering, printmaking, and infographics flourished. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, her family frequently enjoyed spending time on the beaches of The Great Lakes. Throughout her education, she grew eager to use new skills in ways that connected her to the community. In 2012, Amanda was thrilled to join the award-winning climate journalists at Circle of Blue in Traverse City as a design intern, where her collaborations regarding the global water crisis were presented at The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

Upon graduating, Amanda freelanced for local clients in education and entertainment until a role with Vox’s Snapchat Discover team brought her to Washington, DC ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. She learned quickly how to produce graphics at the speed of breaking news, becoming Vox’s first Social Graphics Designer and later, Editor. Projects like “Weather 2050“, “These 3 Supertrees Can Protect Us From Climate Collapse“, and “25 Episodes that Changed Television” were amongst her favorites as they required the most cross-team collaboration and distinctive creative expression.

Amanda is frequently reminded of her favorite musician and travel writer, Neil Peart’s mantra: “What is the most excellent thing I can do today?”. Amanda is thankful every day to live in a place as lovely as Las Vegas, a community with no shortage of those “excellent things” from which to choose. In her free time, she loves exploring the city and nearby National Parks with her husband, playing drums, rollerblading, and gardening in the backyard with the assistance of renowned horticulturalist, Vino the cat.

Rachel Johnson, LVGEA Controller, will lead financial management and strategy, providing critical reporting and strategic insights and overseeing finance-related projects essential to LVGEA’s mission. Originally from Los Angeles, Rachel has embraced the vibrant energy of Las Vegas, calling it home for the past year and a half. She’s a true Vegas convert, soaking in those iconic sunrises and sunsets while finding purpose in LVGEA’s mission to foster economic growth and opportunity in Southern Nevada.

With 11 years of executive leadership and a total of 17 years of accounting expertise, Rachel is a powerhouse of strategic thinking and analytical precision. A proud alum of UC Santa Barbara (Go Gauchos!), Rachel holds a BA in Psychology, which fuels her passion for understanding people and processes to drive impactful results.

When she’s not analyzing variances or preparing financial statements, Rachel is a dedicated sports mom, cheering on her kids from the sidelines, she brings that same energy to work every day. When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find her in the gym lifting weights, channeling her passion for fitness into every new PR.

Rachel’s unique blend of strategic vision, leadership, and love for her community makes her an invaluable asset to LVGEA.

Kayla Nix, LVGEA Executive Assistant, will be responsible for supporting the CEO by overseeing daily operations, managing administrative tasks, coordinating between departments, and implementing process improvements to enhance productivity. Originally from Pueblo West, Colorado, Kayla moved to Las Vegas in 2018 and has enjoyed all the city has to offer ever since.

With over 6 years of experience as an Executive Assistant, Kayla has provided seamless administrative and operational support to domestic and international C-suite executives. Kaylareceived her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu and her Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from Grand Canyon University. Kayla’s background in Psychology will help her bring a human behavior lens to economics at LVGEA, allowing her to predict, influence, and analyze real-world financial and policy models.

When Kayla is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending church services, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, listening to live music, and unwinding with Pilates.

Kayla is most excited to collaborate with a dedicated and passionate team at LVGEA that is focused on shaping Southern Nevada’s economic growth. Vegas truly is one of the best cities in the nation!