Jan Jones, Senior Vice President, Communications and Government
Relations, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.

Moving to Las Vegas from Southern California in 1982, she thought she’d live in Nevada for 12 months max. This blossomed into 23 years. During those whirlwind, two-plus decades, Jan L. Jones created an extraordinary life as mother of three wonderful children, successful leading businesswoman, two-term mayor of Las Vegas, top gaming executive, cancer survivor and a longtime community favorite.

"I was raised in a family where they all said you could do anything you wanted and to set your sights high and to go after them," proudly recalls Jones. As a Stanford University graduate, Jones learned early on the power of putting a top education, consistent focus and a strong work ethic into practice.

Jones carved out an outstanding track record in several areas of business, from human resources to research and development, eventually to the presi-dency of Fletcher Jones Management Group, one of the largest automobile dealer groups in Las Vegas.

"I did the marketing for the auto group, which gave me a lot of visibility. At one point, a group of local politically active women came to encourage me to run for mayor." All the political-insiders said it was ridiculous, she could never win. Jones was elected the first female mayor in the history of Las Vegas in 1991 and helped accelerate the pace of the fastest-growing city in America, with record results through 1999. During her terms at the helm, Inc. Magazine named Las Vegas as the No. 1 city in the country for entrepreneurs, along with a host of other top rankings.

"I can remember giving a talk in 1992 as mayor on the ($650 million) monorail. Today, it is a reality. We built the $70 million Fremont Street Experience, which in essence created the world’s largest connecting casino. You can now see today the seeds we planted a decade ago come to fruition in the downtown. It is revitalized."

In November 1999, Jones met with her fellow Stanford grad, Phil Satre, chairman of Harrah’s Entertainment, and was offered a job she just couldn’t refuse. She took the position as senior vice president, Communications and Government Relations of Harrah’s, where she oversees their government relations, public relations, community relations Code of Commitment and Responsible Gaming programs for 40 casinos across the country.
"When Phil told me I would be in-volved and responsible for directing the philosophies and strategies of the company, both externally and internally, it really made sense. What a great opportunity to work with Phil and CEO Gary Loveman and the whole team. They know very well their vision of building the world’s biggest entertainment company."

Biggest challenge? "Cancer was a tough one for me. Yet, you can never look at the obstacle. Always look at how you are going to get around it or through it. You must believe there is always an answer."

Her advice on chasing after your dreams? "Las Vegas is the greatest city in America, maybe the world. You can’t play it safe. You will miss opportunities. Pick what it is you like to do and do it. You will be so much happier. Also, be responsible, and there is always a bit of luck to life."

It is no wonder Jan Jones was voted favorite female Las Vegan for over a decade. She is a true winner in all areas of life and proves if you set your sights high and go for them, one day you, too, can become a top player in your very own field of dreams.

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"May all of your Las Vegas Dreams come true." - Jim Bickford