LVGEA Board of Directors Extends CEO Tom Skancke’s Contract

LAS VEGAS — The Board of the Directors of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance extended for two years the contract of Tom Skancke, current president and CEO of the LVGEA.

The board took this action during its October meeting.

“Economic development and diversification are two of the most pressing issues facing Southern Nevada as this region accelerates its growth out of the Great Recession, and it’s vital to have continuity in leadership as the LVGEA continues its mission,” said Missy Young, chairman of the LVGEA board and executive vice president of colocation at Switch. “Tom Skancke has elevated Southern Nevada’s economic development efforts, and this board has asked him to continue his valued leadership for positive change in our community.”

The board first appointed Skancke during its October, 2012 meeting. At the time, Gov. Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature had directed the State of Nevada to reorganize its economic development structure. Skancke, the first executive officer of the LVGEA, has been responsible for re-launching the former Nevada Development Authority as the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and transforming the way economic development is done in Southern Nevada.

In addition to overseeing business attraction, retention and expansion efforts in Southern Nevada, Skancke has led efforts to grow budget and staffing capacity at the LVGEA; shepherded the creation of an organizational strategic plan and a federally recognized Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy; advanced a communitywide dialogue with regard to the role of Las Vegas in the global economy; and tackled large community issues around water, transportation, and education.

“I’m glad to have the opportunity to continue the work that we’ve started,” Skancke said. “We’ve built an amazing team of people to help grow Southern Nevada’s economy, and I’m looking forward to the next two years of continuing the cultural shift that our community needs for long-term economic sustainability.”