In the vibrant tapestry of Las Vegas, Jan Jones Blackhurst stands as a luminary figure, her legacy woven intricately into the city's history. From breaking the glass ceiling as Las Vegas' first female mayor to shaping the landscape of responsible gaming practices, Blackhurst's journey is a testament to the power of leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication.
Born from humble beginnings, Blackhurst's ascent to prominence was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference. Armed with a bachelor's degree in English from Stanford University and fueled by a passion for public service, she embarked on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on the lives of millions.
In 1991, Blackhurst shattered barriers and made history as she assumed the role of Las Vegas' mayor, becoming the first woman to hold the prestigious position. Her tenure was characterized by a vision of progress and transformation, as she spearheaded initiatives that propelled the city into a new era of prosperity. Under her leadership, tourism burgeoned, soaring from 15 million to 35 million visitors, and downtown Las Vegas underwent a renaissance with the creation of the iconic Fremont Street Experience.
But Blackhurst's impact extended far beyond the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Recognizing the importance of responsible gaming, she transitioned seamlessly from the political arena to the corporate realm, joining Caesars Entertainment in 1999. Here, she blazed trails as she pioneered the industry's first responsible gaming practices, advocating for an ambassador model and implementing a code of commitment that set new standards for integrity.
At Caesars Entertainment, Blackhurst's leadership transcended mere business metrics; it was rooted in a profound commitment to diversity, inclusion, and corporate social responsibility. Under her stewardship, the company achieved remarkable milestones, including a significant reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and a surge in employee diversity, with women holding 41 percent of management positions and 57 percent of employees hailing from diverse backgrounds.
Blackhurst's most enduring legacy lies in her tireless advocacy for social causes and unwavering commitment to philanthropy. As chair of the Caesars Foundation, she channeled her passion for giving back, spearheading initiatives that uplifted communities and transformed lives. Through corporate gifts and philanthropic activities totaling $66 million since 2013, she demonstrated the profound impact that business can have on society when guided by a sense of purpose and compassion. Betsy Fretwell with Las Vegas Grand Prix indicated, "Jan is completely ‘community committed.’ People look to her for leadership, and she provides it.”
Beyond the boardroom, Blackhurst's influence reverberated throughout the educational landscape, as she assumed the role of chief executive in residence at the 51ԹϺ International Gaming Institute. Here, she not only shared her wealth of knowledge and experience but also championed initiatives such as the "Expanding the Leaderverse" program, empowering the next generation of leaders to effect positive change in the gaming industry and beyond.
In 2019, Blackhurst was appointed to Caesars Entertainment's board of directors, where she chaired the ESG committee, further cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in corporate governance and sustainability. Simultaneously, she assumed the mantle of executive director of the 51ԹϺ Black Fire Leadership Initiative, a testament to her enduring commitment to nurturing leadership talent and fostering diversity in the workforce. Blackhurst's journey of impact and influence did not end there. With each accolade and honor bestowed upon her—from the Americanism Award from the Anti-Defamation League to induction into the American Gaming Association Gaming Hall of Fame—she remained steadfast in her dedication to driving positive change and advancing the greater good.
As she continues to chart new frontiers and inspire countless others to follow in her footsteps, Jan Jones Blackhurst stands as a beacon of hope and possibility—a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership, unwavering integrity, and a boundless commitment to serving others. In the ever-evolving narrative of Las Vegas and beyond, her legacy will endure as a testament to the enduring impact of one woman's courage, compassion, and indomitable spirit. Lee Business School is honored to have her as an inductee of the 2024 Nevada Business Hall of Fame.