GOVERNMENT
Gov. Joe Lombardo has announced the appointment of Edward Abraham to the Commission on Construction Education effective Feb. 1, 2024 through Jan. 31, 2027. The seven-member Commission consists of one member who is a member of the Nevada State Contractors Board, two members who have knowledge of construction education programs and four members from the construction industry.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to welcome Mr. Abraham to the Commission and congratulate him on this distinguished appointment,” said NSCB Executive Officer Margi Grein. “I believe that the work of the Commission is critical to enhancing and growing the industry and I am certain Mr. Abraham and the Commission will attain positive outcomes.”
For the last six years Abraham has served as the training director at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 88 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Fund Inc.
The mission of the Commission on Construction Education is to improve the quality and integrity of the construction industry by awarding grants to organizations with innovative, creative and cost-effective educational programs that will help attract and retain a highly qualified workforce.
MARKETING
• Las Vegas public relations and marketing firm, Connected Communications, has promoted Emily Hollister as the firm’s newest public relations and social media specialist.
Hollister joined the firm in 2023 as an intern and was hired the same year as a public relations and social media coordinator. During this time, she has helped clients to earn national and local media placements, while also implementing effective social media strategy through content creation.
“I couldn’t be prouder to work with Emily and am thrilled that she chose our firm to develop her career,” said Sarah Thornton, APR, president and founder of Connected Communications. “Her writing talents, combined with her business acumen and deep understanding of our clients’ goals make her an invaluable member of our team.”
Last year, Hollister’s contributions led the firm to receive 10 Pinnacle Awards for public relations campaigns on behalf of the Public Relations Society of America Las Vegas, marking a company record. Four out of the 10 awards were direct results of the campaigns she co-managed.
Since earning her bachelor’s degree in business marketing from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, she has utilized her diverse experience across various industries including — marketing, public relations and fashion design — to further develop the firm’s services.
“Emily’s extensive skills and knowledge of content creation, storytelling, branding and communication are what positioned her as a specialist,” Thornton said. “With her abilities, our team is on track for continued growth and industry advancement.”
NONPROFIT
• Shahn Douglas, executive director of The Downtown Vegas Alliance, a member-driven 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that connects its members and downtown stakeholders to influence growth in the heart of Las Vegas, has announced that Audrea Hooper joined the organization’s board as engagement chair.
Hooper brings more than 15 years of experience executing large-scale events, brand awareness campaigns, tours, festivals, product launches, exclusive private parties and more to the role.
She has worked for national brands including RedBull, Crocs, Levis, Zappos, The Rose Parade and Life is Beautiful to name a few. In 2021, Hooper founded Till Death Do Us Party, an event and party planning company based in downtown Las Vegas focused on delivering highly curated events and experiences.
“The Downtown Vegas Alliance is thrilled to have Audrea Hooper as our board engagement chair,” Douglas said. “Her creativity, enthusiasm and know-how are unmatched. We look forward to having her input as we focus on elevating our events and engagement activities for our members and the community at large as part of our 15th anniversary and beyond.”
— The Downtown Vegas Alliance also announced that the following businesses have recently joined the organization:
• Active Solutions Group
• GEST Downtown Las Vegas
• Juhl Homeowners Association
• Las Vegas Pride
• Pizza Rock
• SCE Credit Union
• Speakeasy Barbershop
• The Power of Connection Podcast
• Till Death Do Us Party
• Barker Pacific Group/Tower 300
Founded in 2008, the Downtown Vegas Alliance was formed by business leaders and property owners with a vision to bring together stakeholders who were passionate about the community and had the capacity to cultivate change and put it into action. Membership is open to property owners, businesses, nonprofits, local governments and public agencies that are active in downtown, along with stakeholders from across the region who demonstrate a commitment to improving downtown Las Vegas’ economic vitality and vibrancy.