LVGEA Welcomes Its 2026 Board of Directors
A Unified Board Driving Economic Growth, Job Creation, and Long-Term Investment.
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) recently announced the formation of its 2026 Board of Directors. This board features a blend of established and new members, who have come together to foster economic growth, job creation, and bolster long-term investments for the region. The board was ratified during the LVGEA Board of Directors Annual Meeting in late 2025, marking a significant step in its mission to enhance the Southern Nevada economy.
The LVGEA Board of Directors is composed of a diverse collection of leaders representing both the public and private sectors. This collaborative approach aims to address the challenges and opportunities present in the local economy. Collectively, the board is dedicated to advancing a strategic economic development plan that emphasizes the creation of high-paying jobs, promoting long-term capital investment, and sustaining the economic vitality of Las Vegas.
As the largest board of its type in Nevada, the LVGEA Board has a pivotal role in steering the region’s economic strategies. It fosters cooperation among leaders across various industries, organizations, and jurisdictions, focusing on growth and investment opportunities that benefit the entire Southern Nevada community.
“Southern Nevada stands at a crucial economic inflection point. This board embodies the leadership needed to seize opportunities and drive our initiatives forward,” states Danielle Casey, LVGEA President & CEO. “With extensive expertise across different sectors and a commitment to collaboration, our board members play a vital role in stimulating investment, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term economic resilience for the region.”
Lauri Perdue, LVGEA Board Chair, emphasizes that “the LVGEA Board represents the collective potential that emerges when public and private sector leaders unite under a common vision. Each member is highly dedicated to strengthening our regional economy, generating quality employment opportunities, and maintaining Southern Nevada’s competitive edge on the global stage.”
Introducing the New Members of the LVGEA Board
The LVGEA is proud to introduce its new board members for 2026:
Akosa Akpom
As Vice President of Analytics and Insights at TKO, Akosa Akpom drives data-centric strategies that enhance fan engagement and growth initiatives globally. His contributions have significantly shaped major media rights agreements and audience engagement strategies.
Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater
The Acting President of Nevada State University, Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater is recognized for her leadership in higher education. She plays a vital role in executing the university's vision and strategic planning and oversees the development of the institution’s 450 acres in Henderson.
Dr. Stacy Klippenstein
As President of the College of Southern Nevada, Dr. Stacy Klippenstein is committed to serving over 45,000 students each year. His leadership emphasizes student success and the essential partnership between education and industry to promote regional economic health.
John Penhollow
Bringing a wealth of experience from the national sports and entertainment sector, John Penhollow is the President of Business Operations for the Vegas Golden Knights. His background includes developing sports facilities that foster community engagement and economic growth.
Jose Bustamante
Overseeing the Nevada region for Howard Hughes, Jose Bustamante manages real estate strategies and development initiatives. His expertise in large-scale developments backs sustainable community growth.
Philip Potamitis
As Nevada Market Head for Western Alliance Bank, Philip Potamitis brings 30 years of experience in diverse industries. His focus is on supporting vital banking operations across Nevada.
Steven Peralta
Steven Peralta serves as the Chief Strategic Officer at Touro University, leveraging his extensive background in philanthropy and healthcare leadership to drive community engagement and healthcare education initiatives.
The Complete 2026 LVGEA Board of Directors
The full list of board members reflects a commitment to advancing the economic landscape of Southern Nevada:
- Akosa Akpom, UFC
- Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, Nevada State University
- Dr. Stacy Klippenstein, College of Southern Nevada
- John Penhollow, Vegas Golden Knights
- Jose Bustamante, Howard Hughes
- Philip Potamitis, Western Alliance Bank
- Steven Peralta, Touro University
LVGEA extends heartfelt thanks to all its board members for their unwavering dedication to fostering an economically prosperous Southern Nevada.
About Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) is a collaborative public-private partnership committed to the ongoing economic development of the Las Vegas region. Recognized as one of Nevada's eight Regional Development Authorities (RDA) for 2025-2026, LVGEA plays a crucial role in attracting and expanding businesses across the region. To learn more about LVGEA and its initiatives, visit LVGEA.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the LVGEA Board of Directors?
The LVGEA Board of Directors aims to foster economic growth and job creation in Southern Nevada by guiding strategic initiatives and collaborations across different sectors.
Who are some of the new members of the LVGEA Board for 2026?
This year, new members include Akosa Akpom, Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, and John Penhollow, among others, bringing diverse expertise to the board.
How does the LVGEA plan to impact the economy?
By promoting collaboration among industry leaders, LVGEA seeks to stimulate investments, create quality jobs, and enhance the overall economic landscape of Southern Nevada.
What is the background of LVGEA?
Established as a public-private partnership, LVGEA focuses on business attraction and regional economic connectivity to spur growth within the Las Vegas area.
Where can I find more information about board members?
For detailed biographies and more information about the LVGEA Board members, visit the organization's official website.
