Steve Hill Replaces Rossi Ralenkotter as CEO of Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
August 14, 2018
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors selected Steve Hill as the next Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 1.
Hill will be the ninth leader of the LVCVA, succeeding the retiring CEO, Rossi Ralenkotter.
“I am honored the Board of Directors selected me as CEO of the LVCVA,” Hill said. “The Authority is an integral part of the Southern Nevada economy.”
He added, “I look forward to working with our tremendous team and our mission partners to innovate, improve access to and around the destination and drive growth to keep Las Vegas the number one choice for business and leisure travelers alike.”
A Las Vegas resident for more than 30 years, Hill founded Silver State Materials in 1987 and supplied concrete and aggregates for many projects in the community.
After selling Silver State, Hill was appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval to serve as the first Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) in 2011, where he guided the development of “Moving Nevada Forward’” the plan for diversifying Nevada’s economy.
During his tenure, Hill helped create numerous programs, including Workforce Innovations for the New Nevada, the Battle Born Venture Fund, and the Knowledge Fund, which will leave a lasting impression on higher education, workforce development, and business incubation.
“As an entrepreneur, Steve Hill helped build many resorts on the Strip and as the inaugural leader of my Office of Economic Development he helped make Nevada an attractive place to build businesses, bringing some of the world’s most innovative companies to the Silver State,” said Gov. Brian Sandoval.
He added, “I know Steve will be equally successful at the LVCVA; he is the right person, at the right time to lead the organization.”
His work with GOED played an integral role in bringing business such as Tesla, Apple, Solar City, Barclaycard, Amazon, and Hyperloop One to Nevada.
Gov. Sandoval went on to appoint Hill as the Chairman of the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee (SNTIC), which was charged with reviewing and recommending major economic development projects to the Governor and Legislature for approval.
The SNTIC reviewed several proposals and recommended approval for both the Las Vegas Convention Center District expansion and renovation project as well as the Raiders Stadium.
Hill also was chosen as the Chair of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority which provides oversight of the construction and operation of the stadium.
He also is a member of the Southern Nevada Sporting Event Committee which will recommend a process in which to attract major new events to the destination
“Steve understands this market, literally from the ground up, and brings operational prowess that will ensure our $1.4 billion expansion will be transformational in the meetings and convention business,” Lawrence Weekly said.
He added, “We know he will continue to transform the LVCVA to ensure we remain the top convention center and destination marketing organization.”
Hill takes over the LVCVA at an exciting time for the organization as it is about to get under way on the largest infrastructure project in its history, the expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The project will add 1.4 million square feet of new space, with at least 600,000 square feet of usable exhibit space. The project will allow the destination to attract more business and allow existing clients to continue to grow their conventions.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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