HOSPITALITY
• Mesquite Gaming has announced the promotion of Brad Conklin to the position of director of player services and player development. Having been with the company for 12 years, he had been serving as the director of casino marketing over the last five years for CasaBlanca Resort & Casino and Virgin River Hotel & Casino — Mesquite Gaming’s properties located in Mesquite.
“There’s nothing we enjoy more than rewarding outstanding performance on our leadership team with a well-deserved promotion,” said Justin Moore, CEO, Mesquite Gaming. “Brad Conklin has consistently excelled during his tenure with us.”
In his new position, Conklin will focus on player development initiatives while working closely with Chris Lazzara, vice president of marketing and advertising, and the entire marketing team. His duties will include, but not be limited to, increasing the player database, increasing player revenue and creating and implementing special events. In addition, Brad will continue to lead the Players Club team.
LAW
De Castroverde has added two lawyers to its team.
• Xheni Ristani is a first-generation immigrant from Durres, Albania, and has been calling Las Vegas her home since 2001. She attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in philosophy. She then attended William S. Boyd School of Law on a full academic scholarship, earning her law degree in 2019. While at Boyd, Ristani was a member of the Nevada Law Journal for two years.
She first joined De Castroverde Law Group in 2018 as a law clerk. Prior to rejoining the firm, she gained significant litigation experience representing and defending large corporations and saw first-hand how insurance companies value cases.
When she’s not working, Ristani enjoys traveling, hiking and supporting the Vegas Golden Knights and Real Madrid.
— Nabih Massis, Esq., is a personal injury attorney at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers. He speaks three languages, which are English, Spanish and Arabic. Massis earned his Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice with a minor in marriage and family therapy from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Massis then earned his Juris Doctor degree from Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He graduated with Magna Cum Laude. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys watching sports in his free time. In addition to his professional and familial commitment, Massis also prioritizes maintaining an active lifestyle and enjoys working out regularly.
NONPROFIT
• The Las Vegas Natural History Museum has announced the addition of Jason Huffer and Kimberly Groome to its board of directors. Additionally, Laurie Thomas has been appointed as the sole executive director following the departure of Co-Executive Director Kate Porter.
With their diverse backgrounds and dedication to community engagement, Huffer and Groome bring invaluable expertise and perspectives to the museum’s leadership team. Their appointment signals a commitment to advancing the museum’s mission of education, conservation and exploration of the natural world.
— Huffer, a seasoned senior digital content designer, earned his Bachelor of Arts in graphic design from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2010. Since entering the industry, Huffer has gained experience working in motion graphics, graphic design, digital content creation and illustration in finance, hospitality, tech startups and marketing including major companies like The Venetian Resort, Reflex Media and Affinity Gaming. Huffer’s digital creations have reached more than 25 million people across various platforms for both local and international brands. Beyond his commercial work, is an exhibited fine artist displaying his fine art and studio work in solo and group exhibitions in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. Committed to community involvement, Huffer volunteers his time for causes in the Las Vegas area, providing pro-bono designs for marketing communications, fundraising efforts, mentoring youth and emerging creatives and extending support to unhoused populations.
— Groome serves as the Amgen Rare Disease key account director for the West Coast, leveraging her extensive experience in the life sciences field to deliver health care solutions to those in need. With a career dedicated to this sector, she has led teams across the West, driving positive clinical outcomes for both patients and health care systems. Groome brings a Lean Six Sigma disciplined approach to her work, leading by example and fostering positive motivation among her colleagues. She thrives on tackling challenging issues with creative solutions and is deeply committed to contributing to her community. In her leisure time, Groome explores the picturesque desert landscapes around Las Vegas, volunteers with multiple organizations and indulges her passion for art and history by frequenting museums across the country.
Porter left the job to pursue a new opportunity for her family in the southeast region. She was instrumental in guiding the museum alongside Thomas, during her tenure.
“It’s bittersweet to leave my beloved museum and community,” Porter said. “However, I have full confidence that under Laurie’s seasoned leadership as the new executive director, the museum will continue to thrive and build upon its exceptional educational programs and impactful community engagement. The Las Vegas Natural History Museum is in excellent hands, and I look forward to following its future successes.”
The Las Vegas Natural History Museum was established in 1989 by a small group of citizens who knew the community would benefit from the educational resources it could provide. After very humble beginnings, this private nonprofit museum is now a Smithsonian Affiliate, accredited with the American Alliance of Museums, and is a federal and state repository for fossils and artifacts. From the desert to the ocean, from Nevada to Africa, from prehistoric times to the present, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum takes visitors of all ages on a learning adventure around the world.
