40 Under 40: Celebrating Southern Nevada talent

The Vegas Inc 40 Under 40 awards honor young community leaders who represent a broad spectrum of industries. Honorees are selected by a panel of judges who have the extremely difficult task of narrowing down an impressive number of nominations to just 40. This issue celebrates the true cream of the crop of Las Vegas talent.  The individuals featured are beacons of resiliency and determination. Many of them have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to become the people they are today. Their work ethic, their devotion to community and their leadership have set them apart, not just in their individual spheres of influence but across Southern Nevada. If you’ve ever wondered what (or who) makes a city as large and exciting as Las Vegas tick, look no further. You’ll read about attorneys, philanthropists, government officials, business executives, event planners, marketing professionals, gaming experts, medical practitioners and more who contribute to the beautiful and diverse community we call home.

The 2024 40 Under 40 originally appeared in a special issue of Vegas Inc found inside of Las Vegas Weekly. Sign up to get each of Vegas Inc’s special publications delivered to your inbox on the day of their release.

Marsha Al-Sayegh, UMC Foundation Manager, UMC Foundation

Age: 28

First Job: Abercrombie & Fitch stock associate

Marsha Al-Sayegh chose to study health care administration in college because she wanted to help people and improve the health care experience for patients and their families. Like many people in the health care field, Al-Sayegh’s role changed in 2020 to accommodate pandemic-specific needs. As she worked with community members to open and manage COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, she was introduced to the UMC Foundation where she quickly ascended to the position of UMC Foundation manager.

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Danielle Barille, Vice President, World Series of Poker Online, Caesars Entertainment

Age: 37

First Job: Cashier at Giant Eagle

Poker is Danielle Barille’s passion. She leads the No. 1 online poker operation in the United States. Barille participated in the launch of the online real money poker extension of The World Series of Poker, WSOP.com, in 2013. Her efforts have resulted in annual revenues in excess of $40 million.

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Christa Brown, Director of Programming, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Age: 32

First Job: Head Team Adviser for the Theatre Program for the National Student Leadership Conference

When Christa Brown joined the Smith Center team in January 2020, she had no idea that the entertainment industry would face extreme change in just a matter of months. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown worked with artists, managers and agents to reschedule more than 400 shows. Her grit and resiliency set the stage for her continued career success.

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Dezirae Bruni, Founder and Principal, Dezirae Bruni Interiors

Age: 39

First Job: Beverage cart attendant at Spanish Trail Country Club

Dezirae Bruni is a force within the interior design world and has become known for her transformative vision that fuses functionality, aesthetics and sustainability. She holds a National Council for Interior Design Qualification and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, the most used green building rating system.

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Donato Clay, Chief Operating Officer, Veteran Benefits Guide

Age: 39

First Job: Administrative assistant for a home health care company

When poring over Donato Clay’s resume, it is truly amazing what he has accomplished in his lifetime. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science, a juris doctor degree, a master in public health degree and a master’s of business administration degree. He’s a veteran, a lawyer and a business owner. He’s a servant leader, a philanthropist and an animal lover. And he’s only just beginning.

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Mike Davis, TV Personality, Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network/FOX5 Vegas

Age: 32

First Job: Tennis Instructor

Mike Davis recently became the first employee of the Silver State Sports and Entertainment Network, an affiliate of FOX5 Vegas and Gray Television. Davis is now in a position to elevate sports media and storytelling in the community as Las Vegas becomes the sports capital of the world.

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Shannon Demus, Chief Financial Officer – Americas, Light & Wonder

Age: 35

First Job: MAP (Management Associate Program) at MGM Resorts International

Shannon Demus is a people-first leader with a gift for cultivating a team’s skills and culture for optimal performance. Demus first started at Light & Wonder overseeing a finance team with a purview of four different business units. Recognizing that the compartmentalization of these teams was not in the best interest of the business, she consolidated the existing structures to allow better communication, the sharing of ideas, and a strong support system for achieving objectives.

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Jeff Dorocak, City Attorney, City of Las Vegas

Age: 39

First Job: Paper boy, Parma Sun Post

As the city attorney for the City of Las Vegas, Jeff Dorocak and his team oversee all legal aspects of the city, including writing legislation, litigating cases, advising elected officials, and working on topics from opioids to budgeting. He is one of the youngest attorneys to hold the position and oversees an office of 25 attorneys and 40 staff.

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Renata Follmann, Vice President of Communications, Fontainebleau Las Vegas and Principal, Rossetti Public Relations

Age: 38

First Job: English teacher

Renata Follmann began her career in public relations with the opening of the Cosmopolitan in 2010. Follmann worked her way up from intern to director of public relations. In 2017, she left to work as founding principal of Rossetti Public Relations with Amy Rossetti, a trusted friend and associate from the Cosmopolitan. Follmann has since helped establish Las Vegas as a prime location for up-and-coming public relations talent.

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Cory Frank, Vice President of Business Development and Project Management, Nigro Construction, Inc.

Age: 34

First Job: Cart attendant at a golf course

Cory Frank’s passion for construction developed at a young age. With his father in the industry, Frank was exposed to the challenges, triumphs, and relationships forged on the job, and he’s never looked back. Today, he has more than a decade of industry experience that touches on many areas of the business including field operations, permitting and preconstruction, and federal contracting.

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Dean Gettman, CEO, Platinum Contracting of Nevada LLC, Lake Las Vegas Lake Management LLC

Age: 29

First Job: Laborer

Dean Gettman is the founder and CEO of Platinum Contracting, a company he started at only 23 years old with no financial backing or experience. Despite the doubts and odds stacked against him, Gettman persevered and within the first four years of operations, he led the company to surpass $10 million in sales and doubled the size of his team. Last year, Platinum Contracting was the only Nevada-based general contractor to make the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest growing companies—boasting a 269% three-year growth rate—and was granted an Unlimited Bid Company status on behalf of the Nevada State Contractors Board.

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Whitney Green-Olson, CEO and Co-Founder, Melon Local

Age: 36

First Job: Painting fire hydrants at Hopkinsville Water Authority

Whitney Green-Olson is a dynamic leader who constantly looks for ways to learn and expand her business. When she and her husband started Melon Local, a digital marketing agency, she immersed herself in classes and blended her previous experience in customer service with new digital strategies. Her husband is not only her business partner but also her inspiration, encouraging her work ethic and business dreams.

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Bronwen Gregg, Director, Strategic Growth and Development, Insight Global

Age: 31

First Job: Sales associate at Albuquerque East

Three and a half years ago, Insight Global asked Bronwen Gregg to move from her position in the technology and government services division in Virginia to help open an office in Las Vegas. As she focused on business development and led the Casino Gaming Portfolio, Gregg recognized an opportunity to expand business through networking events, partnerships, and online positioning. She was promoted to this newly created role, and has since used her unique approach to increase the company’s return on investment.

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Nadia Griffin, Director of Marketing & Events, Nevada Contractors Association

Age: 39

First Job: Hostess at Steiner’s Pub

In her 13 years with the Nevada Contractors Association, Nadia Griffin has immersed herself in her work and the community with palpable passion for the industry she serves. As the director of marketing and events, Griffin is responsible for providing networking opportunities to NCA members, allowing them to exchange expertise, access resources and develop new collaborative relationships.

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Samantha Grimes, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee

Age: 34

First Job: Cashier, florist and barista at video rental/floral/coffee shop

“Leading Host Committee communications and marketing for Las Vegas’ first Super Bowl is a dream role,” said Samantha Grimes. “It’s been an honor and privilege to work alongside the NFL, LVCVA, Las Vegas Raiders, local government agencies and various leaders across multiple industries to bring the world’s largest single-day sporting event to life.”

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Collin Kamholz, Vice President of Finance, Aristocrat (Anaxi)

Age: 37

First Job: Marketing analyst at Caesars Entertainment

A Nevada native, Collin Kamholz has a long-standing penchant for statistics and mathematics, and has been captivated by the gaming industry since childhood. Finding the perfect intersection between these interests, today Kamholz boasts more than 14 years in the industry where he has worked in a diverse spectrum of roles in the operator and supplier sides of gaming.

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Natalie Kruska, Senior Director of Marketing Las Vegas Residencies, Live Nation Las Vegas

Age: 29

First Job: Gymboree

Natalie Kruska first joined Live Nation as an intern during her senior year at UNLV. In the eight years since, she has risen steadily through the ranks to her current position as the senior director of marketing for Las Vegas Residencies. Just last year Kruska oversaw the marketing of more than 600 residency shows.

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Aaron Lee, Lead Chef and Co-Owner of Winnie & Ethel’s, Downtown Diner

Age: 33

First Job: McDonald’s

Aaron Lee is the head chef and co-owner of Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner, a restaurant concept that was brought to life as a result of The Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway. Working in collaboration with his wife and co-owner Mallory Gott, Lee’s home-cooked favorites and Gott’s design experience won the competition in the spring of 2022 and netted the couple $1 million to open the diner.

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Natalia Mankova, Director of Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting, PlayAGS

Age: 39

First Job: Server

Natalia Mankova first came to America as an exchange student from Russia. It was never her plan to stay in the United States permanently, but once she made that decision, she worked hard to build the life she envisioned for herself, starting with her education. Mankova took classes at UNLV and CSN simultaneously and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in only a year and a half. Mankova then passed the exams to receive a CPA license and started working at Deloitte in 2013, propelling her career into corporate accounting.

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Juzzef Martinez, Vice President, Commercial Banker, JPMorgan Chase

Age: 34

First Job: Intern at Washington Mutual

Juzzef Martinez started working in the financial industry as a high school intern and has remained in the field for the past 18 years. As a commercial banker at JPMorgan Chase, Martinez helps businesses with credit, lending, equipment financing, and treasury services. Watching a company grow in value and efficiency with her help is incredibly rewarding to Martinez. She develops strong client relationships, fosters a positive work environment and often exceeds sales targets.

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Joe Mikulich, Partner, Anima by Edo and Edo Tapas

Age: 32

First Job: Soccer referee

Joe Mikulich and his partners have opened two extremely successful restaurants in Las Vegas with EDO Tapas and Anima by EDO, both of which have become influential dining destinations and the latter of which is a James Beard Award semifinalist. Despite the high level of success that the EDO team has already experienced, Mikulich only foresees more growth on the horizon.

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Jess Molasky, Chief Operating Officer, Ovation Development

Age: 29

First Job: UCLA Capital Programs

Jess Molasky is broadening the horizons of his family’s multigenerational legacy in Las Vegas with his knack for anticipating future trends and penchant for forging innovative paths. Molasky’s primary focus since joining the business in 2018 has been Ovation’s affordable senior housing. He believes that it’s a privilege to take care of those who have built Las Vegas into the city it is today.

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Brandon Morrison Head of Sustainability, Resorts World Las Vegas

Age: 35

First Job: Lifeguard

With the desire to improve sustainability in hospitality, trained environmental scientist Brandon Morrison sought out the Entertainment Capital of the World to make positive change. He believes the key to progress is innovation, particularly sustainability, a concept that often covers a diverse range of topics and objectives. It is the part of the job that excites him the most: a continually moving target with critical consequences that requires complex problem solving.

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Erica Mosca, Nevada State Assemblywoman, Nevada Assembly District 14

Age: 37

First Job: Cashier at Clothestime

Erica Mosca is a teacher, a nonprofit founder, the CEO of her own consulting company and the first Filipina in the Nevada Legislature. Inspired by her own experiences growing up as a person of color and attending seven different schools, Mosca seeks to support and empower Southern Nevada students and families so that all individuals have the opportunity to work hard and to afford and achieve their dreams.

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David Navarro, Nevada Regional President, Enterprise Bank & Trust

Age: 32

First Job: Busser at Fuddruckers

David Navarro has built his career in banking from the ground up, starting at a local bank, working at several others, and eventually becoming the Nevada Regional President at Enterprise Bank & Trust before turning 30.

A proven leader, Navarro says that he now gets to lead the highest functioning team he has ever had the privilege to be a part of—and the results speak for themselves. He enjoys the complexity and challenges of commercial banking and finding success regardless of the circumstance.

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Karen Nelson Orthopedic Surgeon, University Medical Center, Orthopedic and Spine Institute

Age: 37

First Job: Restaurant hostess

Karen Nelson is a local leader in complex orthopedic surgery. Nelson works at Nevada’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. With a concentration on trauma and advanced joint reconstruction, Nelson takes on many advanced cases, especially of pelvic bones.

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Erica Okerberg, Vice Chair, Global Gaming Practice; Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig

Age: 35

First Job: Dry cleaner clerk

Erica Okerberg thrives in complex, high stakes environments, making gaming law the perfect fit for her. She originally moved to Las Vegas to pursue gaming law and meet industry experts, and today, she ranks among them.

Okerberg has spent the last 11 years at Greenberg Traurig, where she has amassed an impressive record of success while rising to the position of vice chair of the firm’s Global Gaming Practice.

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Jessica Pharar, Founder, Pharar Foundation

Age: 36

First Job: Retail at Express

The Pharar Foundation’s mission is to provide compassionate dental care for cancer patients, ensuring a better quality of life throughout each individual’s cancer journey. Jessica Pharar was inspired to start the foundation after caring for her father who suffered from terminal brain cancer. Her experiences in college researching oral cancer and dental lasers combined with her work in an outreach clinic for victims of domestic abuse prepared her to care for medically complex patients.

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Esther Pla-Cazares, Faculty and Lead Academic Counselor, College of Southern Nevada

Age: 39

First Job: Starbucks

Esther Pla-Cazares always knew she wanted a career that helped others. Over the course of several college internships, she was able to explore what ultimately became her true passion: guiding students toward higher education. As a first-generation college student, Pla-Cazares’ goal was to contribute to the mission of a community college and foster educational access for all.

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Morgan Shah, Director of Community Engagement, Nevada Legal Services

Age: 39

First Job: Youth soccer referee

Morgan Shah, born and raised in Las Vegas, works tirelessly to create a community where “justice for all” is not just an ideal but a reality. Upon her graduation from the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law, Shah entered a small private practice where she handled commercial litigation and appeals before she was offered the position of clerking for Judge Jerome Tao on the then newly created Nevada Court of Appeals. She transitioned to Nevada Legal Services in 2018 and has been there since.

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Brooks Smith, President, ChopValue Las Vegas

Age: 33

First Job: McDonald’s

Growing up in the restaurant business, Brooks Smith saw how much waste is produced by this industry—not just food waste, but material waste as well. In 2022, Smith brought international business ChopValue to Las Vegas—the first of the franchise in the US—to bring sustainable change to the city and lead the way to adopting a circular economy.

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Sarah Stephens, Vice President of Business Development, Opportunity Village

Age: 34

First Job: Freelance production assistant

Sarah Stephens has been at Opportunity Village since 2014 and has served as the vice president of business development since 2022. Before transitioning to this role, Stephens spent two years as an account executive, earning herself a leadership position in two years. As the leader of the document management division, Stephens continued with her sales responsibilities but also oversaw the daily operations of her division. Stephens facilitated significant growth in this position. Between fiscal years 2015 and 2019, sales revenue generation in the division increased by 155%. In the same period, the division’s income increased by more than 330%.

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Izack Tenorio, Director of Government Affairs, Strategies 360

Age: 33

First Job: Landscaping laborer

Izack Tenorio is well-suited to navigate the complex world of government affairs. With a community-focused approach and a unique and versatile skillset, he seeks to better the state.

At Strategies 360, Tenorio works in various policy areas, including health care, gun violence reform, social innovation, rural issues and democracy reform. He says he enjoys working on the policy and legislation that helps drive Nevada forward. He also credits some of his success to his lived experiences and his mother for inspiring him to make the world a better place.

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Jamie Thalgott, Shareholder, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck

Age: 39

First Job: File clerk for orthodontic practice

Jamie Thalgott was first inspired to enter law and government because of her experiences in high school debate class. Developing both a talent and passion for policy debate, she attended Georgetown University, where she interned on Capitol Hill, studied American history and ultimately decided to attend law school.

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Teresa Thurtle, Founder, ALS Advocate and Policy Analyst, Bottoms Up to Down ALS

Age: 39

First Job: Retail

Teresa Thurtle is a leader in advocacy for those affected by ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. With a PhD in public policy, two master’s degrees and two bachelor’s degrees, Thurtle is well-equipped to champion ALS research, navigate business structures, coordinate partnerships and lobby for veteran and military causes.As a disabled veteran with a known ALS gene, Thurtle has a profound passion for the cause that she channels into a unique ability to develop compelling narratives that she can then use to influence politicians, researchers and the public. “In the next 5-10 years, I look forward to a treatment or cure for ALS,” said Thurtle. “The science is almost there.”

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Kelly Trask, Director of Slot Strategy and Performance, SciPlay/Light & Wonder

Age: 34

First Job: Nanny

Kelly Trask is at the center of the global shift in social gaming. As the director of slot strategy and performance at SciPlay, recently acquired by Light & Wonder, Trask helps drive growth, implements strategy and creates product plans.

With Trask’s visionary leadership pushing player engagement, company revenue grew 18% year-over-year and SciPlay was named 2022 Top Social Casino Company at the EKG Slot Awards.

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Barry Tu, Principal, Scale by 3 and CEO, Tu Companies

Age: 37

First Job: Sales person at VeggieTales

“I think it takes a lot of courage to act on creative ideas and to turn a dream into a reality,” said Barry Tu. “I think my approach to business is focused on delivering ultimate value, being honest, healthy partnerships and being very proactive.”

Tu has fueled courage, optimism, and hard work into all his enterprises. He opened his first restaurant at 26 years old, having never worked in a restaurant before. Starting from scratch was a big growing and learning experience, and led Tu and his partners to open Scale by 3, a hospitality and management company working in California, Nevada, Utah and Texas.

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Tiffany Ward, Creator & CEO, Certified DISC & Leadership Facilitator, Certified Sound Healer, The WE Mentality Team Development

Age: 38

First Job: Hair washer and braider at hair salon

Armed with an impressive array of certifications, Tiffany Ward works tirelessly to foster economic, personal and professional growth in the community. Ward is not only the creator and CEO of The WE Mentality, a company dedicated to business and leadership development, but she is also the co-founder of the DreamSAFE Project, a nonprofit that promotes safety and aids families dealing with traumatic events.

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Sulhee Jessica Woo, Content Creator/Social Media Personality, Bento Box Society

Age: 37

First Job: Retail at Vans

Dubbed “The Bento Box Queen,” Sulhee Jessica Woo has built a career out of her passion for food and family.Followed by millions across her several social media platforms, Woo shares creative and nutritious ideas as she packs lunches for her three daughters. This year Woo will publish her first cookbook.

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Andrew Woods, Director, UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research

Age: 35

First Job: Lifeguard and lawn mower

Andrew Woods is a problem solver with a proven track record in economic development and policy. Out of college and living in Washington, D.C., he started his career working in politics with the goal of bringing change to underserved communities. He eventually ended up in Carson City working for the Nevada State Treasurer, where he was involved in several interest projects, ballot initiatives and was able to start his own company to help elect candidates to public office.

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