LVGEA Business Development Contacts

Emma Keserich currently serves as Vice President of Business Development for the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.

Prior to joining LVGEA, Emma served as the Group Operations Manager for Airtifae Group, an international economic development and hospitality consulting firm based in Washington, DC and Abu Dhabi, which works to bridge countries together to attract foreign direct investment and help businesses expand internationally through trade missions and international business strategy development. In this role, she hired to foster company growth and was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, partnerships, and programming for all three companies under the Group. Prior to joining Airtifae Group, she served as the International Business Analyst within the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (Washington, DC) from 2020-2023; during which, created and executed the District’s first ever international business strategy and managed the City’s export program (ExportDC). She successfully positioned Washington, DC as an international business destination to 30 top and emerging markets across all continents, attracting businesses to set up in the District and helping local businesses expand internationally. During this time, she was also responsible for creating and executing over $2 million in funding across several landmark small business grant programs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic to sustain the local business community.

Outside of her work, she has taken on board positions across organizations, including Treasurer and Membership Chair of Skal International, Washington, DC chapter and Middle East and Africa Committee Member of the Women in International Trade, Washington, DC chapter. She has also been awarded the International Council of Small Business Global Excellence Award: Future Leaders Award in 2022 and was appointed to the Mayor’s Commission on Fashion Arts and Events for three years during her time serving DC Government.

Emma is an alumnus of American University’s School of International Studies with a concentration in international business within the MENA region and is currently working towards a Business Management Fundamentals certificate from Cornell University. She is passionate about investment promotion, connecting businesses to opportunities, and elevating communities so all can thrive.

Amy Respini joins LVGEA as Talent Liaison, as part of a partnership with Workforce Connections/EmployNV, where she has been a member of their Business Services Team since March 2022. Bringing her ability to develop professional relationships that bridge community partners, resources, and businesses, Amy facilitates an integrated public workforce development system that links financial incentives for hiring Nevadans and diverse talent to businesses in all industries and sizes.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Southern Oregon University and is certified in Mediation and Conflict Negotiation. With a diverse background in banking, corrections, education, and workforce development, she enjoys volunteering her time on committees that span across the Vegas Valley when she can be of help.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys trips to visit her adult children and the outdoors via motorcycle rides, Jeep trips, camping, hiking, rafting, and diving with her husband of 6 years. She is an active Auxiliary Member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and is frequently seen across the Vegas Valley at business networking events in her advocacy of the business resources offered by LVGEA. Amy truly exhibits her personal and professional philosophy that ‘We haven’t come this far, to only come this far.’

Clarissa Castillo is the LVGEA Director of Data Analysis & Business Development and will be leading economic, research, data analytics, and business intelligence to support economic growth and business expansion to the region.

Clarissa is a dynamic professional with over a decade of experience spanning sales, analytics, and project management, offering specialized expertise in business development and data-driven decision–making. With a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and driving revenue growth, Clarissa excels at orchestrating successful marketing strategies and optimizing processes to achieve organizational objectives.

A strategic thinker and adept problem solver, Clarissa leverages analytical insights to inform business strategies while fostering enduring client partnerships. Her comprehensive educational background includes an MBA from Loyola Marymount University and a BS in Finance from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, complemented by her Certified Sommelier credential. Clarissa’s expertise in financial modeling, market analysis, and cross-functional leadership positions her as a valuable asset in identifying growth opportunities and implementing operational improvements that deliver measurable results.

As an Economic Development Coordinator with LVGEA , Nicole supports the business development team’s attraction, retention, and expansion efforts by assisting with economic research, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and administrative support.

Previously, Nicole worked for the Vegas Chamber as Grant Program Manager, where she assisted with the development, administration, and organizational operations of the EDGE program that’s powered by the Leadership Foundation. EDGE assists women and/or minority owned businesses that were impacted by Covid 19 navigate the difficult landscape of Las Vegas to create a strong & thriving small business community.

Nicole obtained her preliminary work experience at age 12, directing phone calls for her sister’s notary business. She previously acted as the Director of Technology and Agent Services for Keller Williams Realty and has functioned in a supervisory or managerial role for three small businesses that were women and/or minority owned.

Prior to moving to Las Vegas during the pandemic, Nicole attended the Cal State University of Fullerton and is still working to earn her B.A. in Women and Gender Studies with a minor in Psychology.