Lieutenant Governor Hunt Will Continue to Serve on Nevada Commission on Tourism

Governor-elect Jim Gibbons today named experienced hotel and gaming executive Tim Maland to be the new Director of Tourism and announced that Lieutenant Governor Lorraine Hunt, who currently chairs the Nevada Commission on Tourism, will continue to serve as a commissioner.

“Tourism is the lifeblood of Nevada’s economy,” said Governor-elect Gibbons.  “Nevada is at the forefront of the industry and Tim Maland is eminently qualified to ensure that our state maintains its leadership role.  I’m pleased that Tim will bring his outstanding credentials to state government to oversee efforts to bring visitors to our state.”

Maland is a 30-year veteran of the tourism industry, most recently serving as president of the Reno Hilton.  He began his distinguished career as an accountant in 1977, auditing the casino properties of the late Howard Hughes.  His career also includes executive positions at Ramada Hotels, Trump Plaza, ITT Sheraton, Playboy Enterprises and Harrah’s Entertainment.

“I’m excited to be able to represent the State of Nevada in its efforts to continue the successes of Lorraine Hunt and former Tourism Director Bruce Bommarito,” said Maland.  “I’m looking forward to working with incoming Lieutenant Governor Krolicki.  I think we’ll make a great team in maintaining the successes of the current administration and expanding them to meet the challenges of the future.  I appreciate Governor-elect Gibbons' confidence in me.”

Nevada’s lieutenant governor serves as chair of the Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT) and works closely with the director.  Previous director Bruce Bommarito recently became vice president of international planning for the Travel Industry Association (TIA), which represents the interests of the U.S. travel and tourism industry and promotes increased travel to the United States.

“Tim is extraordinarily qualified,” remarked Lieutenant Governor-elect Brian Krolicki.  “We’re fortunate to have a man with his success in the private sector head our state tourism efforts.  Lorraine Hunt and Bruce Bommarito set the bar very high, but we won’t miss a beat.  We’ll build on their efforts to make Nevada the number one tourism destination in the world.”

Gibbons has appointed outgoing Lieutenant Governor Hunt to fill the open seat on the NCOT vacated by MGM Mirage executive Punam Mathur.  Hunt served as vice chair of NCOT when it was first created in 1983.  Hunt later became the first woman chair of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  She was also a founding member of the Nevada Restaurant Association and served on the Nevada Hotel and Motel Association. 

"Nevada's tourism industry is successful because of leaders like Lorraine Hunt," stated Gibbons.  "Our state is very fortunate that Lorraine will continue to provide her talents and energy to the Commission."

“My heart has been in tourism and economic development for many years,” said Hunt.  “As lieutenant governor, I’ve worked to make Nevada’s economic development a global venture.  I’m delighted to be able to continue to pursue my passion—making Nevada a worldwide tourism destination.  It’s critical to our state’s future.”