LVGEA Announces New CEO

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance board of directors voted today to name Jonas Peterson as its new chief executive officer.

Peterson, the LVGEA’s current president and chief economic development officer, will assume the role of CEO effective July 1, 2015.

“For several years, Jonas has demonstrated expertise in plying the trade of economic development in Southern Nevada, and he’s the right guy at the right time to help advance sustainable and robust economic growth in the region,” said Ray Specht, chairman of the board of directors of the LVGEA and vice chairman of Toyota Financial Savings Bank.

The board’s decision follows the announcement from current CEO, Tom R. Skancke, who is transitioning out of his role June 30 to pursue other ventures. Skancke hired Peterson more than two years ago because of Peterson’s broad background in economic development.

Peterson has several degrees in economic development as well as experience with economic development agencies in Arizona and California, most recently as President and CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation.

“This has been an amazing ride helping start-up a new economic development organization in Southern Nevada, and I’m thrilled and honored to take the helm as we simultaneously evolve and reinforce the core mission of this organization,” Peterson said. “I came to Las Vegas because I believe it’s the best place in the country to do economic development, and I’ve been lucky to work with Tom and with dozens of other leaders in this community as we’ve helped shape a vision for community and economic development in Southern Nevada.”