U.S. Small Business Administration has named Michael Vallante regional administrator for SBA Region IX, which covers California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii and Guam. A former small business owner, Vallante has extensive experience in communications and public relations. His company provided consulting and strategic communications services for small businesses and nonprofits around the country. Vallante recently served as chief of staff to the co-chairman of the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, he was chief operating officer of the California Republican Party from 2003-2007 and chief of staff for the nonprofit Minneapolis-St. Paul Host Committee. Vallante also hosted a radio show in Rhode Island, interviewing newsmakers from around the world. (courtesy SBA)
Ascaya has hired Aubrey Yamada as lifestyle director. Yamada will be responsible for planning and executing special events, assisting residents with their event needs and overseeing operations for Ascaya’s $25 million clubhouse. The 22,000 square-foot clubhouse is slated to open this summer. Yamada’s experience in marketing and special events spans nearly a decade. Recently, she was an account manager for Fudale Destination Management, where she partnered with clients to plan events. She has also held positions as operations manager for the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and special events manager for the D Las Vegas and Golden Gate Hotel. She has also worked in marketing and promotions for the Tao Group, and was VIP marketing host for The ONE Group Hospitality Inc., creator of the international restaurant brand STK.
Pisanelli Bice PLLC has named to the firm attorney Barry B. Langberg, one of the nation’s preeminent trial attorneys having won numerous jury verdicts in defamation, entertainment, real estate and commercial cases over his 45-year career.
Pisanelli Bice PLLC has named to the firm attorney Deborah Drooz, who brings a strong record on appeal having had a number of published and precedent-setting appellate victories in state and federal courts.
Blau + Associates has promoted Sven Mede to vice president of culinary operations. Mede will have the primary responsibility of spearheading restaurant development, facilitating expansion and overseeing day-to-day culinary operations. Mede joined the company in 2014 as culinary director, and rose through the ranks while growing both the Honey Salt and Buddy’s V’s restaurant sites. Mede later led the launch of Andiron Steak and Sea, the company’s dining destination in Downtown Summerlin. His past positions include executive chef at Nobhill and pre-opening manager and executive chef at American Fish in Las Vegas, as well as executive sous chef at the Bradley Ogden in Las Vegas.
UNLV Hotel College Alumni Engagement Committee has named Tyra Bell-Holland chairperson. Bell-Holland, founder and CEO of Ava Rose Agency and ResortCierge|MD, will recruit and organize a team of volunteers that will be accountable for planning, participating in and measuring all assigned events by the Hotel College Alumni Association. After becoming a member of Les Clef’s d’Or USA in 2002, Bell-Holland then became president of Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association. Recently, she was also named The American Cancer Society | Great West Division’s newest board member, where she will be responsible for organizational objectives such as raising awareness and cultivating relationships in hopes of having them join the fight against cancer through education, programs and support for those in need in our community.
Hexx Kitchen + Bar has named Carlos Buscaglia the new executive chef. Buscaglia, who is known locally as co-creator and executive chef of Due Forni Pizza & Wine, has nearly 25 years of culinary experience, much of which has been in Italian cuisine, spanning classics to dishes with modern appeal. Buscaglia joined MGM Resorts International, then MGM Mirage, in 1995, holding several positions within the company’s resorts. In 2003, Buscaglia opened FiAMMA Trattoria & Bar at MGM Grand with James Beard Award-nominated chef Michael White and was promoted from master cook to sous chef in just three months. He left his role as chef di cucina at FiAMMA to open his first restaurant, Due Forni Pizza & Wine in 2010.
Downtown Vegas Alliance has named Jonathan Ullman to its 2017-18 officers and board of directors as the organization’s chair. Ullman is the executive director and CEO of the Mob Museum. In addition, Brian Knudsen, of BP2 Solutions, was named vice chair; Marc Abelman, owner of Inside Style, secretary; Bill Paredes, executive vice president of Bank of Nevada, treasurer; Seth Schorr, CEO of Downtown Grand, communications chair; Patrick Hughes, president and CEO of Fremont Street Experience, membership chair; and Kelli Ross, energy advisory at Southwest Gas, operations chair.
DC Building Group has hired industry professional Gary Siroky as chief operating officer. Siroky will be responsible for business operations, client relations and strategic planning and implementation. Siroky brings more than 28 years of experience in operational management, accounting, finance, estimating, project procurement, budgeting, reporting, employee development and client relations to the position.
Mark Cordner has launched a new registered investment advisory firm, Golden Years Financial LLC. As owner, chief compliance officer and investment advisor representative, he will continue to lead a team of insurance agents in implementing tax-advantaged strategies that preserve assets, reduce taxes, increase income, and safeguard clients against long-term care expenses. Cordner has specialized in retirement planning and personal insurance coordination since 1992.
Origin India Restaurant and Bar has expanded to include Paradise India, with William Bathini named executive chef at both locations. Bathini, Paradise India’s owner, will focus his menu on traditional Southern Indian cuisine.
