Leadership is a challenge not for the faint of heart. It’s a responsibility and carries with it weight and sacrifice. Good leaders, like those featured in the following pages, understand that. Whether forging a path for others to walk or mentoring a new generation, the 2025 Most Respected Leaders earned the designation through hard work, servant leadership and perseverance.
Chosen by a panel of judges who reviewed their history, community activity and leadership, this year’s Class of Most Respected Leaders are exceptional individuals who have shared insights on who they are and how they lead. Read on to learn more about each of the 2025 honorees.
For the honorees, Nevada Business Magazine, in partnership with PNC Bank, is proud to recognize you for your contributions to Nevada. Thank you for all that you do. The team also extends a heartfelt thanks to the judges and Most Respected Leader’s corporate sponsor, PNC Bank for helping to acknowledge the work of these incredible leaders.
Hugh Anderson
Managing Director
Hightower Las Vegas
Primary Industry: Financing
Principal Location: Southern Nevada
Nevada Citizenship: 1984
A native of Long Island, New York, Hugh Anderson moved to southern Nevada in 1984. He serves as managing director of HighTower Las Vegas, a boutique wealth management firm and one of the largest investment advisory firms in Nevada. Anderson has over 45 years of experience in financial services and is an avid student of financial markets, the global economy and geo-politics. He serves on several community boards, including the Vegas Chamber, St. Rose Dominican Hospital, the Governor’s Workforce Development Board and Workforce Connections, among others.
What do you love about Nevada?
[I love] how Nevadans embrace everyone, whether native born or a transplant like me. People are very much inclined to embrace those who are new and help them succeed.
To what do you attribute your success?
Whatever success I’ve achieved has been through learning from mistakes, maintaining the highest standard of integrity and avoiding being bored at all costs. I embrace the unknown and the challenge. I also started life the easy way; a wonderful family that instilled good values in me and set me on a smooth path that many others don’t have.
How do you earn the respect of your team?
The first person’s respect I seek is the person in the mirror every morning. Then I try to lead by example and practice what I preach. Nothing is beneath me. I always admire the business owner who pitches in rather than supervises and directs. I never forget I am part of the team, no more important than any other member.
What are the most important traits of a leader?
Integrity, humility and accessibility.
What contributions to Nevada are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my family and the two native Nevadans my wife, Denise, and I raised here. They are both exceptional human beings. I am also very proud of being the longest serving trustee of the Vegas Chamber and being committee chair of our government affairs committee. Our work strives to protect the economic engine that has made Nevada the success it’s been all these years.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Think!” My father was one of the most impressive people I have ever met. He passed on going to college so he could help support his parents but that did not diminish his intellectual capacities. Anytime I would ask a question, before offering an answer, he would say, “think”. That advice has served me well.
How important is community involvement for a leader?
Community involvement is vital for a leader. Whatever the mission of the business, that organization must be willing to give besides just pursuing its own mission and profit motive.
How has this community changed in the last decade?
The state continues to see its diverse population grow, bringing new cultures and ideas that need to be encouraged. They used to call Las Vegas a great second chance town, and I don’t think we’ve lost that appeal. It’s also a great first chance town for those who truly want to build a better life however they define it.
Brandon Barkhuff
President and CEO
NV Energy
Primary Industry: Energy
Principal Location: Statewide
Nevada Citizenship: Born and Raised
A Las Vegas-native, Brandon Barkhuff served as a commercial litigator before joining the NV Energy team in 2011. There he managed the organization’s legal, compliance, environmental, customer service and energy efficiency functions as senior vice president, general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer. Earlier this year, Brandon moved into the position of president and CEO for NV Energy. In his role, he leads daily operations for the utility which delivers electricity to nearly 1.4 million customers statewide and natural gas to 200,000 customers in northern Nevada.
What do you love about Nevada?
I love the sense of community in Nevada. Whether you’re a native Nevadan or have recently made this state your home, there’s a genuine spirit of welcomeness and acceptance. People take pride in where they live, and there’s a shared commitment to helping one another. That sense of connection and support is what makes Nevada truly special.
To what do you attribute your success?
No success comes without hard work, so I would tell everyone to make that their top priority. Put in the time, commit to continuous learning and always raise your hand to take on a tough challenge. However, my success is also about leaders being willing to give me a chance and supporting me. I am grateful that I can now pay it forward and do the same for others.
How do you earn the respect of your team?
Leadership isn’t about holding authority; it’s about earning trust. It is my responsibility to empower others, ensuring they have the tools, clarity and support to succeed. I commit to my team that I will be authentic and honest in supporting them.
What are the most important traits of a leader?
Great leaders have integrity, courage, humility and resilience. They care about and understand their people and prioritize the growth and development of their team.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. To really grow and develop we have to challenge ourselves and take risks. Lead with optimism and be willing to make hard decisions.
Who has been a mentor to you?
I was blessed with two wonderful parents who taught me the importance of hard work, honesty and respect from an early age. They lead by example and instilled in me the importance of being accountable. I have also had great coaches and leaders throughout my life who have provided guidance and opportunity at various times along my professional and personal journey.
What would you like your legacy to be?
First and foremost, I hope to be remembered as a good husband and father. My family is the most important part of my life, and I want my legacy to live on with the people who matter most to me. Professionally, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity I have at NV Energy. Being part of an organization that creates meaningful impact every day for our customers is both a responsibility and a privilege.
Anna Catlett
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Growth
Optum Nevada
Primary Industry: Healthcare
Principal Location: Las Vegas
Nevada Citizenship: August 1993
Graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Anna Catlett began her career in advertising and public relations. Today, she serves as senior vice president of marketing and communications for Optum Care’s West Region where she leads marketing and growth strategies across nine Western states. In addition to helping patients connect with high-quality care, Catlett is deeply rooted in the southern Nevada community. She supports local nonprofits, volunteers for children’s organizations and advocates for homeless senior dogs.
What do you love about Nevada?
Nevada is a state of adventure, culture and incredible people. Early in my career I led marketing efforts for the Nevada Commission on Tourism. It gave me the opportunity to see and fall in love with the state – from hiking Ruby Mountains at 10,000 feet, to conducting trips with reporters across the state, from Lake Tahoe, Ely to Las Vegas.
How did you get into your field?
I’ve always been curious and creative. A creative college writing course sparked my interest, and an internship soon after solidified my passion for communications.
To what do you attribute your success?
The Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno was pivotal. As a first-generation college student, I found mentorship, development and opportunity there. The relationships I built in my early 20s still hold value today. Nevada opened doors that shaped my career and continues to do so, today.
How do you earn the respect of your team?
Leading a team across nine states requires openness, accessibility and honesty. I prioritize getting to know my colleagues personally and professionally. Understanding what people need to succeed is key and being accountable drives respect on both sides of the relationship.
What are the most important traits of a leader?
The most important traits of a leader are empathy, integrity and curiosity. A strong leader builds trust by listening, being transparent, and genuinely investing in their team’s growth. Leadership is about serving others and creating space for people to thrive.
What contributions to Nevada are you most proud of?
During COVID, Southwest Medical led local and national efforts in patient and provider vaccinations. I led communications, marketing and events, helping launch the first drive through COVID vaccination offerings, in the state. Our work has made a lasting impact on public health in Nevada.
How important is community involvement for a leader?
Community involvement is essential. Leaders have a responsibility to give back and set an example. Supporting nonprofits and engaging with younger generations helps build a strong, resilient future for Nevada.
How has this community changed in the last decade?
Las Vegas has grown into a more unified and vibrant community. The arrival of professional sports teams like the Golden Knights and the Aces has strengthened our identity and pride. Wearing Knights gear and hearing “Go Knights Go!” from strangers when I am traveling outside of Nevada, always reminds me of our shared community spirit.
Jhone Ebert
Superintendent of Schools
Clark County School District
Primary Industry: Education
Principal Location: Southern Nevada
Nevada Citizenship: August 1989
With over three decades of experience and leadership, Superintendent Jhone Ebert is leading the Clark County School District (CCSD) where she is focused on expanding college and career readiness and advancing innovation in southern Nevada. She began her career as a math teacher at Von Tobel Middle School in Las Vegas and recently served as superintendent of public instruction for the state of Nevada. In that role she oversaw almost 500,000 students across Nevada’s 17 school districts, helped change the state’s funding formula for education and expanded access to career and technical education opportunities.
What do you love about Nevada?
My story as an educator began 30 years ago in Clark County, where I served as a middle school math teacher. Though I’ve led organizations across the country, Nevada is my home. I appreciate that Nevadans are a no-nonsense, straight-talking crowd who deeply want our students to succeed.
How did you get into your field?
I grew up facing poverty and uncertainty, but my dedicated teachers saw my promise. The success I’ve had is a credit to their guidance and my experience growing up in public schools.
To what do you attribute your success?
My strengths are listening and enlisting. As a teacher, I learned to meet people where they are to understand their needs. Transforming our district requires a movement built on trust and collaboration. I listen first, then work shoulder-to-shoulder to map out change and make progress.
What contributions to Nevada are you most proud of?
I was appointed state Superintendent by both a Democratic and Republican governor, proving my commitment is about kids, not politics. I also successfully led the implementation of Nevada’s new, equitable school funding formula, replacing the 50-year-old system to better meet the needs of students.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Growing up, my swim coach taught me the “Can Do” mindset, which guided me through my leadership journey. Spring Valley High School Principal Tara Powell, who recently participated in my “Destination District” podcast, just achieved a five-star rating with her team, using the motto “CAN.” (can period.). I might adapt to that version!
How important is community involvement for a leader?
Community involvement is critical. I [worked] in New York, [where] we faced widespread backlash against curriculum standards, prompting families to opt out of tests. By engaging families through community outreach and restoring trust, we earned the support needed to successfully implement significant change. One of my top priorities is to rally the community around a shared vision for our schools.
How has this community changed in the last decade?
Technology has transformed our entire community—and certainly our schools. Every CCSD secondary school now has phone pouches for students to use during class so they can focus. We’re exploring how to utilize AI to enhance learning and better engage students, while ensuring that students continue to learn in a deep and meaningful way.
Ken Goodrich
Chairman
Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing
Primary Industry: HVAC
Principal Location: Southern Nevada
Nevada Citizenship: Born and Raised
Ken Goodrich has over 30 years of experience, building, acquiring and scaling HVAC, plumbing and contracting businesses. Currently serving as chairman for Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing which operates in Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas. Starting early, Goodrich was exposed to the business by his father when he was 10 years old. Today, he’s successfully acquired and expanded dozens of companies in the home services sector. This year, Goodrich launched Kenerator, a venture aimed at transforming the home standby generator and back up battery market.
What do you love about Nevada?
Nevada is a place of opportunity and resilience. I love the diversity of people who come here to build better lives and contribute their talents. There’s a unique entrepreneurial spirit in this state, and a can-do attitude that aligns perfectly with my own belief in creating opportunity through hard work and vision.
How did you get into your field?
I started in this field when I was ten, holding a flashlight for my dad on air-conditioning calls. Those nights taught me craftsmanship, integrity, and pride in a job well done. Years later, I bought our family business and kept building from there.
To what do you attribute your success?
My success comes from building strong teams, maintaining disciplined operations and keeping customers at the heart of every decision. I believe in structure, accountability, and follow-through. Most importantly, I surround myself with people who share a commitment to excellence and who take pride in delivering quality service.
How do you earn the respect of your team?
Respect is earned through consistency, transparency and shared purpose. I provide clear expectations, the right tools, and the belief that success is achievable. I work alongside my teams, celebrate their wins, and ensure they know their contributions directly impact the company’s success and our customers’ satisfaction.
What contributions to Nevada are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of helping to strengthen Nevada’s skilled workforce. Through the J. Duncan Goodrich Air Conditioning Technology Endowment and Lab at the College of Southern Nevada, and Post 9/11 Veterans HVAC tool Endowment, providing new tools for newly trained veterans through the program. I’m also honored to serve on Governor Lombardo’s Workforce Development Board, shaping policies that expand career opportunities statewide.
Who has been a mentor to you?
My dad was my greatest mentor. He taught me the value of hard work and how to stick with it when things get tough. Most of all, he showed me what it means to finish the job and do it right.
How important is community involvement for a leader?
Community involvement is essential for any leader. Businesses don’t operate in isolation, they’re part of a broader ecosystem. Giving back, whether through education, workforce development, or initiatives like The First Step with Ken Goodrich wellness movement, helps strengthen the very communities that make our work possible and meaningful.
What would you like your legacy to be?
My legacy will be leadership – in my family, my business and my community.
Melissa Kaiser
Chief Executive Officer
DISCOVERY Children’s Museum
Primary Industry: Nonprofit
Principal Location: Southern Nevada
Nevada Citizenship: April 2018
Melissa Kaiser has more than 30 years of management experience at significant organizations in the nonprofit sector. With expertise in fundraising, partnership building, and strategic planning, Kaiser has raised over $100 million in capital funds for the organizations she has served in executive leadership positions. Since 2018, under her leadership as CEO of DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, she has secured four consecutive $250,000 Museums for America grants from IMLS to support a $25M campaign to help the museum accomplish three key goals: replace and update exhibitions and facilities, increase the endowment and operating reserves, and expand educational programming.
What do you love about Nevada?
Nevada embodies opportunity. It’s a state that welcomes bold ideas and empowers people to effect lasting change. I love that progress is a shared endeavor. Leading here means being part of a community that values collaboration and vision, and that’s what makes Nevada such a remarkable place to call home.
To what do you attribute your success?
I attribute my success to having a strategic mindset — always thinking several steps ahead and weighing both the opportunities and risks of every decision. Leadership requires equal parts vision and discipline, and success comes from listening carefully, adapting quickly, and surrounding yourself with people whose expertise you genuinely trust.
What are the most important traits of a leader?
Courage and empathy – courage to make difficult choices when the path isn’t certain, and empathy to understand the people affected by those choices. A great leader balances conviction with compassion and maintains grace under pressure —leadership in challenging moments defines you far more than when things are easy.
What contributions to Nevada are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the work I’ve done to inspire confidence and curiosity in hundreds of thousands of children over the years who have visited DISCOVERY Children’s Museum. Helping young people see themselves as capable, creative, and full of potential is deeply meaningful to me.
How important is community involvement for a leader?
It’s essential. Leadership doesn’t stop at the edge of your organization — it extends into the neighborhoods, schools, and nonprofits that shape the quality of life around us. I believe leaders have a responsibility to give their time and expertise in service of others, whether through board service, volunteerism or mentorship.
What is the most difficult thing you’ve encountered as a leader?
The most difficult moments in leadership are those that test your resolve and values. Navigating the pandemic was certainly one — balancing financial realities with the well-being of staff and families required courage and creativity. Those experiences reminded me that leadership is as much about heart as it is about strategy.
What would you like your legacy to be?
I hope my legacy reflects integrity, impact, and care — that I led with both courage and compassion, and that the organizations I’ve served are stronger, more confident, and future-focused because of my time with them. Ultimately, I want people to say that I made a difference where it mattered most.
Jarrod Lopiccolo
CEO and Co-Founder
Noble Studios
Primary Industry: Creative Digital Media
Principal Location: Northern Nevada
Nevada Citizenship: Born and Raised
Over the last two decades, Jarrod Lopiccolo has grown Noble Studios, a creative digital performance marketing agency from a single laptop endeavor to an international company. With one foot in Reno and another across the pond at the firm’s Bristol, UK office, Lopiccolo’s passion for meaningful connections and storytelling has led to success for his organization. In addition to his efforts with Noble, Lopiccolo is community focused and has served on the board for the Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) and the Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (NCET).
What do you love about Nevada?
I was born in Nevada, educated here, met my wife here and raised my kids here, so this place is deeply personal to me. It’s also where we launched our international agency rooted in creativity and purpose, and I’m not sure we could have built the same kind of success anywhere else. Nevada is where possibility meets grit, where wild ideas are welcome and hard work plus a solid handshake still matters.
To what do you attribute your success?
I’ve always made it a point to surround myself with people who push me to grow, stay curious, stay humble, and keep learning. Passion lit the fire in the beginning, but it’s those meaningful connections, the self-discipline to keep showing up, and the strength of our Nevada community that fuel the journey every day.
What contributions to Nevada are you most proud of?
Noble Deeds is Noble Studios’ philanthropic community initiative where we give 1 percent of our time to nonprofits. Now 12 years strong and approaching $2 million in donated services, the program has helped so many Nevada organizations amplify their missions. The impact is undeniable. The recipients feel it, those they serve feel it, and our team feels it in their hearts.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t chase money. Chase passion and money will follow. However, if you chase money first, that fulfillment may never be realized.
How important is community involvement for a leader?
Community involvement is essential for leaders. If you’re not lifting up the people around you, then you’re missing the whole point of leadership. Plus, it keeps you grounded and focused on being purposeful.
How has this community changed in the last decade?
Nevada’s grown up over the years and so have we. There’s more innovation, more connection, and more heart than ever before. We just need to make sure that we are providing access to those change makers to continue this progress of making Nevada one of the greatest places to live, work and play in the world.
What is the most difficult thing you’ve encountered as a leader?
Letting go of control and truly empowering others. But every time I do, I’m reminded that people will rise to the occasion if you give them the chance.
What would you like your legacy to be?
That throughout my time on this planet I have made meaningful connections, led with purpose and helped others believe anything’s possible. And maybe sparked a few wild ideas along the way making the world a little better every day.
Scott Loughridge
Primary Industry: Construction
Principal Location: Southern Nevada
Nevada Citizenship: December 1987
Scott Loughridge, CHC, ASHE, LEED AP established SR Construction in 1991. His vision for the company was to create a design-build firm focused on client satisfaction. With over 50 years of experience in the field, Loughridge’s focus has been in healthcare, commercial, hospitality, retail and warehouse construction, among others. He was the first to receive the Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) designation in Nevada. Today, Loughridge is responsible for SR’s strategic and long-range planning and contributes his expertise to design and pre-construction on projects.
What do you love about Nevada?
I moved to Las Vegas from northern California and so what first struck me was the freedom, independence and the opportunity to succeed in Nevada. There is a real can do attitude here without all the bureaucracy that I was used to. I also love the high desert and openness of this fantastic state of Nevada.
How did you get into your field?
I went to college to become an architect. As I tell people, I got halfway through and realized I would rather see concrete coming out of a truck than lead out of a pencil.
To what do you attribute your success?
My parents and my grandparents instilled in me a tremendous work ethic, taking pride in what I do, and some common sense. A lot of people are smarter, but very few could outwork me.
How do you earn the respect of your team?
Work hard, lead by example, always keep a sense of humor, and solicit and respect everyone’s abilities and contributions.
What contributions to Nevada are you most proud of?
Our contribution to healthcare in Nevada. SR Construction started our journey in acute healthcare construction 30 years ago and has become the premier healthcare builder in Nevada – having built the last three acute care hospitals in the state, along with patient tower additions, numerous surgical facilities, ER expansions and many other medical facilities. Our entire team has a real passion for healthcare, and we very seriously believe that we can make a positive difference in patient outcomes by helping design and build quality healing environments.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Do not be afraid to dip your toe in the water and take chances.
How has this community changed in the last decade?
I have been here 38 years, and I continue to marvel at how this community maintains a great quality of life while growing so fast. These last ten years we have seen Southern Nevada begin to mature into an incredible place to call home. We have truly begun to diversify the economy, while adding programs and facilities that enhance the lives of all our residents.
What is the most difficult thing you’ve encountered as a leader?
Getting myself to understand that every person that works at SR Construction has their own personality, is motivated by different things and has different goals in life. Understanding that their goals and motivations are different than mine can be challenging for me at times.
Rick Noel
President and Co-Owner
Walton’s Funerals & Cremations
Primary Industry: Funeral Service
Principal Location: Northern Nevada
Nevada Citizenship: October 2001
Rick Noel, owner of Walton’s Funerals and Cremations and Cremation Society of Nevada, had been with the company for 23 years, most recently serving as General Manager, prior to becoming an owner in late 2019. Over the past 13 years, he has been responsible for daily operations, financial management, staff oversight, community relations and marketing. Rick has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for 38 years. Rick attends Life Church of Reno and has served as a volunteer for both the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation and the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission.
What do you love about Nevada?
I love so much about northern Nevada, i.e., the incredible sights of the high desert mountains, Lake Tahoe, the diverse weather, lots of sunshine and, most of all, the people. There’s a great sense of community where people really step it up when a need arises.
How did you get into your field?
I was born into funeral service and actually lived in a mortuary. My dad became a funeral director in 1961, so I grew up in the business in Washington State. We had three funeral homes, and I started working for my dad in high school and loved helping people.
What are the most important traits of a leader?
I’ve always based my leadership on honesty and integrity. Leadership thrives on strong communication and having a good heart towards others on your team.
What contributions to Nevada are you most proud of?
I am so proud to be trusted by the families we serve in their most difficult times. It is so meaningful to hear how grateful and appreciative they are as we guide them through the funeral process.
Who has been a mentor to you?
My dad was my first and strongest mentor before I even knew he was preparing me for the future. His guidance and leadership laid the foundation of who I am today. I was also fortunate to have key people in management through the early part of my career, where I had the opportunity to learn and grow.
How important is community involvement for a leader?
Community involvement is extremely important to me as a leader. It shows the community that we give back and genuinely care. I find there’s just not enough time in the day to accomplish all that I aspire to do.
How has this community changed in the last decade?
The biggest change I’ve seen over the last 10 years is definitely the area’s growth. I think it is a net benefit for the community with more diverse businesses, more jobs, and more opportunity.
What would you like your legacy to be?
I’d like to be remembered for having strong moral principles and for being trustworthy. I hope others see me as a good husband, father and friend who makes a difference in the lives of others. It brings me joy to live that out every day.
George F. Ogilvie III
Firm Managing Partner
McDonald Carano
Primary Industry: Legal
Principal Location: Southern Nevada
Nevada Citizenship: Born and Raised
A native Las Vegas and fifth generation Nevadan, George F. Ogilvie III serves as the firm managing partner for McDonald Carano, a statewide law firm founded in 1949. Ogilvie joined the firm in 1992 and became managing partner in 2019. Over the course of his tenure at the firm it has grown from 23 to over 60 attorneys throughout Nevada. Ogilvie’s litigation practice involves representing clients in complex construction and commercial disputes who include multinational corporations, national and regional construction companies and mid-size to large local businesses.
What do you love about Nevada?
As a fifth generation Nevadan, I love the relationships maintained across the state, the closeness of the state-wide community and the ability to have an impact on our present and future.
How did you get into your field?
I come from a line of ranchers and attorneys on one side of my family and attorneys on the other. It was going to be one of the two. Being born in Las Vegas, attorney seemed the more prudent.
To what do you attribute your success?
My success is attributable to my predecessors and McDonald Carano’s culture. While the firm is comprised of outstanding attorneys and government affairs professionals, it is our collegiality and our staff that provide each professional with the platform and support for success. Endorsing that culture has made me successful.
How do you earn the respect of your team?
The firm’s first managing partner, Leo Bergin, led by example in placing the best interests of the firm above all else. I try to emulate that by acting in an objective and fair manner in the interest of the betterment of the firm as an institution.
What contributions to Nevada are you most proud of?
After my two sons, my service (2007-2016) as a member and Chairman of the Colorado River Commission, which acts as the steward of Nevada’s allocation of Colorado River water and electrical resources, is the contribution to Nevada I am most proud of.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The keys to success are preparing for the opportunity, recognizing the opportunity and seizing the opportunity.
How important is community involvement for a leader?
Community involvement is one of the hallmarks of McDonald Carano. From its inception, the firm has placed its community involvement second only to client service. Our state and local communities could not function without the dedication of its business leaders.
What is the most difficult thing you’ve encountered as a leader?
The most difficult thing I have encountered as a leader is also the most important aspect of being a leader. Leadership requires the deliberate, strategic and delicate balancing of diplomacy and consensus-building while simultaneously being prepared to make difficult decisions when a majority cannot be achieved.
What would you like your legacy to be?
[That I was] a family man and a lawyer’s lawyer.
Monica Pappas
CEO and Founder
Fingerprinting Express
Primary Industry: Employment Screening Services
Principal Location: Statewide
Nevada Citizenship: November 1980
In 2003, Monica Pappas co-founded Fingerprinting Express with her mother, launching one of Nevada’s first professional fingerprinting companies. When Pappas and her husband Dave took over the single Reno location of Fingerprinting Express in 2012, she implemented new systems, processes, branding and digital marketing strategies that doubled revenues and reduced expenses in the first year. Under her leadership, the company expanded from that one store in Reno to six locations statewide, serving communities throughout Nevada. Pappas is passionate about community needs and implemented a core culture within her companies that promotes caring for those in need.
What do you love about Nevada?
This state has been the backdrop to both my personal journey and professional success, and I truly can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. From a business standpoint, Nevada inspires me. It’s a state that rewards vision, hard work and integrity. It’s where my roots are, where my family and career have grown, and where my heart will always be.
How do you earn the respect of your team?
I believe in servant leadership, and that’s the foundation of how I earn respect from my team. I’m not afraid to jump in and do the work I ask of them because I don’t believe any task is beneath me. When your team sees you rolling up your sleeves alongside them, it changes everything.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was simple but transformative: “If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.” Early in my career, this advice fundamentally changed how I approached leadership. It taught me that intuition and passion aren’t enough, you need data to make smart decisions, identify problems before they become crises, and recognize opportunities when they appear.
How important is community involvement for a leader?
Community involvement is incredibly important to me, it’s part of who I am as a leader. I started a grassroots volunteer organization to give back to the underserved community, and what began as a mission to help others became something even more meaningful.
How has this community changed in the last decade?
The entrepreneurial ecosystem has matured, with more resources, networking opportunities, and support for small businesses than ever before. The state has embraced innovation while maintaining its pro-business climate, and that combination has positioned Nevada as one of the most dynamic places to build and grow a business in the country.
What is the most difficult thing you’ve encountered as a leader?
As a leader, people look to you to set the tone, and maintaining optimism and forward momentum when everything around you feels heavy takes real work. I’ve learned that positivity isn’t about ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect, it’s about choosing to focus on solutions, possibilities, and the good in people even when it would be easier to give in to cynicism.
Paul Steelman
of wonder.”
CEO and Owner
Steelman Partners
Primary Industry: Architecture
Principal Location: Statewide
Nevada Citizenship: January 1986
A native of Atlantic City, NJ, Paul Steelman is the owner and CEO of Steelman Partners an architecture firm in southern Nevada. His career spans over four decades and he is known for his work in global entertainment, hospitality and gaming architecture. He followed in his father’s footsteps working at his practice before graduation Clemson University. In 1987, Steelman opened his own practice specializing in entertainment design. Today he works alongside his daughter and has had the opportunity to work on every type of casino project imaginable.
What do you love about Nevada?
Las Vegas has always been a suburban resort paradise—lush landscaping, dazzling pools, blue skies, and escapism. It is not an urban experience. The true master, Steve Wynn, understood that. Every one of his properties was a fantasy garden, a seamless blend of architecture, nature, and imagination. When Las Vegas loses that identity and drifts toward cold urbanism, it fails.
To what do you attribute your success?
Our firm’s success comes down to a few powerful fundamentals. We have an incredible team that shows up every day with talent, passion, and relentless problem-solving. We have earned a reputation as the world’s leader in entertainment architecture, one groundbreaking project at a time. We have great clients who trust us with their boldest ideas. And we have Las Vegas, the global capital of excitement and imagination, as our home and inspiration.
What are the most important traits of a leader?
The most important traits of a leader are consistency, compassion, and a deep understanding of people — combined with the ability to create an environment where talented individuals can thrive. Great leadership in a forward-thinking architectural design practice means inspiring innovation, nurturing growth, and empowering every team member to reach their full creative potential.
What contributions to Nevada are you most proud of?
I am incredibly proud to have collaborated with extraordinary designers and visionary owners on some of the most iconic projects in our industry. From the Mirage to our bold work on Resorts World, and especially the groundbreaking Circa, these projects helped define the modern Las Vegas experience. Extending that unique style of excitement and architectural storytelling across the world has been one of the most rewarding achievements of my career.
What is the most difficult thing you’ve encountered as a leader?
When talent and imagination collide with the realities of budgeting, fees, payments, insurance, and liability requirements, the result is a complex equation that demands balance, consistency, and resilience. This intersection of creativity and responsibility defines modern leadership. It is in navigating these pressures while still pushing the boundaries of innovation that true success and progress are achieved.
What would you like your legacy to be?
I hope my legacy lives through my children, Stephen and Suzanne, and my grandchildren, Jackson and Graham. My dream is that they continue shaping the future of entertainment, design, and innovation, propelling Las Vegas and other cities toward bold new experiences and unforgettable places. If I am fortunate, perhaps my work will have left a few meaningful crumbs in the story of this remarkable city.
