Annually, VEGAS INC awards the prestigious C-Suite Honors to some of the community’s most engaged executives. From the Vegas Golden Knights to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, leaders of diverse organizations are recognized for their business acumen and contribution to the community.
The leaders honored here have made Southern Nevada home for not only themselves and their families, but also for the many people who are affected by their work, whether that be through education, entertainment or employment. The value that they bring to our cities is immeasurable.
The C-Suite Honors are nominated by the public. These nominations are then carefully read and judged by a panel of previous VEGAS INC C-Suite honorees.
The 2025 C-Suite Honors 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.
Paul Dieter
Executive Director, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada
An experienced executive with 10 years of experience in oncology and more than 30 years of experience as a premier business leader, Paul Dieter leads Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevadain its mission to deliver the best available cancer care.
Dieter’s role encompasses administrative, leadership and organizational work on behalf of CCC, but the cornerstone of his work is patient advocacy. His overarching goal is to provide optimal care and protection for every person in the community. He does this not only by adopting leading technologies and attracting the best medical minds, but by encouraging proactive and preventive health measures.
Active engagement with community partners, including legislators, researchers and health care providers, allows Dieter and CCC to expand the resources available to Nevadans. “I am hopeful and there is more that we can be doing in our state,” said Dieter. “We can make some great progress if we truly work together.”
Damian Costa
Co-Owner, Pompey Entertainment
Born into entertainment, Damian Costa thrives on the fast-paced challenges of the industry. Following in the footsteps of his grandparents, who were deeply involved in Las Vegas’ entertainment scene, Costa’s career began in large-scale arena and stadium productions before transitioning to serve as Vice President of Entertainment Operations at Caesars Entertainment.
In 2021, he co-founded Pompey Entertainment, producing over 5,000 paid shows. His portfolio includes performances at renowned venues like Caesars Palace and The STRAT, along with innovative partnerships to promote Las Vegas as the Wedding Capital of the World. He is proud to have launched a business that gives artists platforms and provides memorable and vibrant entertainment experiences.
Costa holds the belief that building a strong, compassionate community starts with empowering children and families. His family-first attitude seeps into the community as he advocates for better foster care resources. He also actively works to make the community one which his children can be proud of by revitalizing historic and cultural programs, all while at the forefront of the ever-changing entertainment industry.
Joan Burge
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Office Dynamics International
Office Dynamics International was the first dedicated training company exclusively for administrative professionals. Over her 20 years of experience as an executive secretary, Burge recognized a gap in the training available for administrative professionals. She used her experience and the business acumen she learned from quality leaders and succeeded in filling that gap.
Thirty-five years, five books, and 12 annual conferences later, Burge is thriving in the industry she largely created. She has served an impressive roster of local and international clients including Walt Disney World, AT&T and Boeing.Burge calls herself an unofficial spokesperson for Nevada and draws in business professionals from all over the world to experience Las Vegas every year for Office Dynamics’ Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence.
“My biggest inspiration has been my father, who ran his own company for 70 years and worked until he was 90,” said Burge. “He overcame significant tragedies and trauma yet maintained a positive attitude, living life to the fullest and welcoming everyone with open arms, both in business and personally. He taught me resilience, the value of hard work and the importance of focusing on the present.”
Josh Smith
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Veteran Benefits Guide
In the 10 years since its founding, the Veteran Benefits Guide has secured $5.5 billion in lifetime disability benefits for veterans. Using his experience in the military and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Josh Smith created an organization that helps veterans navigate claims processing and disability benefits, helping them receive the medical care they need.
Smith’s initial vision was a small organization to meet local needs. VBG now employs 200 professionals at offices in Las Vegas and California to provide help for veterans in all 50 states and Guam. Smith’s once-small startup business has now helped more than 35,000 veterans.
Smith’s efforts to serve veterans are not just centered on his business. Smith and the VBG work closely with local nonprofits that improve the lives of veterans, including the Veteran Social Club, Southern Nevada Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the Nevada State Veterans Home and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Southern Nevada.
Ryan Woodward
President and Chief Executive Officer, National Technical Institute
Of his work, Ryan Woodward said, “I think the biggest challenges stem from the misperception of a career in the trades. The message is definitely getting out that careers in the trades ‘can be’ a good option, but I look forward to the day when people realize the return on investment in educating yourself in the trades is very hard to beat.”
At National Technical Institute, Woodward has fostered an education system that ensures students are not just qualified on paper but truly have all the skills they need to succeed in their vocations. He is committed to filling the skills gap created by the retirement of a large generation of skilled trade workers.
Woodward joined the education sector after many years as a corporate banker, an industry in which he gained significant business acumen and learned the leadership skills that help him implement successful strategies at NTI. The evidence of his success is in the success of his students. “My favorite part of my job is seeing our team members and our students succeed in their careers,” said Woodward. “I love when students come back and share how their lives have changed for the good because they chose to attend NTI.”
Woodward finds the most fulfillment serving in the community which ranges from ministerial work in his church to service on boards, including those of the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation, the Vegas Chamber and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.
Andy Bischel
President and Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada have been operational in the valley for more than 60 years. What started as a single club serving 50 members is now 13 clubhouses serving approximately 1,500 of Southern Nevada’s youths—all under the direction of President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Bischel.
Bischel has worked in philanthropy for more than two decades. Before he entered his role as president and CEO at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada in 2016, he was previously the coordinator of athletic development at UNLV and the director of development at the Animal Foundation.
In his current role, Bischel oversees the operation of all Southern Nevada clubhouses and has implemented education and mental health programs to aid young people and their families. He is especially proud of the work he and his team put in to make education more accessible and fruitful to the children of essential workers during the 2020 pandemic shutdown.
In addition to impacting the lives of local youths, Bischel loves his family and his community. He enjoys mountain biking and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Kerry Bubolz
President and Chief Executive Officer, Vegas Golden Knights
Kerry Bubolz has become a central figure in Las Vegas’ rise as the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World. Under his leadership, the Golden Knights franchise has consistently exceeded financial expectations, ranking among the top five NHL teams in ticketing and sponsorship revenue, despite being in the country’s 43rd-largest market.
Bubolz has worked closely with team owner Bill Foley to expand the Foley Entertainment Group, adding properties like the Premier League’s AFC Bournemouth and the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights. A strong advocate for community engagement, Bubolz ensures the Golden Knights remain deeply connected to Las Vegas, emphasizing the importance of giving back and fostering strong relationships.
“I preach to our organization that like hockey, community is a contact sport. That was a belief I brought to Vegas but have felt even more powerfully given the tight-knit nature of the Las Vegas Valley.”
In the community, Bubolz is involved in numerous local organizations, from the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Policy Committee to the Henderson Police Foundation. His passion for sports, community and growth continues to drive both his professional and philanthropic efforts in Southern Nevada.
Connie Anderson
Partner and Chief Strategy Officer, The Abbi Agency
In her 12 years at the Abbi Agency, Connie Anderson has established herself as a dedicated community partner and a driven business leader. Her growth from intern to chief strategy officer is evidence of her hard work and commitment to her company and her teams.
Anderson is largely responsible for the growth of the Southern Nevada office, which expanded from two to 14 employees, and is now the agency’s second largest office, contributing to nearly 20% of the agency’s overall growth in 2024. Anderson emphasizes promoting women and diverse employees to leadership roles and stood at the helm of the effort to earn B Corp Certification. At the time it received the award, the Abbi Agency was one of only five Nevada businesses to hold this distinction.
“I love the challenge of staying connected to our communities, understanding what truly matters to people, and building campaigns that are authentic, impactful and focused on helping individuals thrive,” said Anderson. She also actively gives back to the community through volunteer work, pro bono resources and education.
Jonathan Ullman
President and Chief Executive Officer, The Mob Museum
As a child, Jonathan Ullman never imagined working in a museum. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Ullman took a part-time internship at Liberty Science Center (LSC), a museum in New Jersey, while he studied for the MCAT. Ultimately, he loved being part of such unique educational experiences that he continued working at LSC for 14 years, earning an MBA during that time to expand his skills and embrace larger challenges.
Ullman joined The Mob Museum in 2010, two years before its official opening. Under his leadership, the museum has welcomed over 4 million visitors from 35 countries and has become a cornerstone of Downtown Las Vegas’s revitalization. A leader with a deep passion for both history and service, Ullman’s work at The Mob Museum has made it a cultural hub, blending history with impactful, immersive storytelling.
A big believer in using your gifts to give back, Ullman is directly involved on local nonprofit boards and has graduated from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department Citizens’ Police Academy, the FBI Citizens Academy and Vegas Chamber’s Leadership Las Vegas program.
Galit Ventura-Rozen
Owner and Broker, Commercial Professionals, Inc.
Galit Ventura-Rozen is a product of the American Dream. Her parents, who she considers mentors as well as her biggest cheerleaders, moved to America to shape that dream. Not only were they her models for success, but Ventura-Rozen’s parents also taught her that she could be and do whatever she wanted.
A woman of many accomplishments, Ventura-Rozen prizes two above the rest: building a successful business with a trusted reputation and being a present mother to her three children. Over the course of her career, she has sold more than $700 million in commercial property in Las Vegas and never missed a single sports game or performance for her kids.
Her passion for her work is palpable. Ventura-Rozen mentors UNLV students in the real estate department and hosts initiatives that introduce girls to career opportunities in the real estate sector. During the pandemic, she co-founded Everyday Woman, a business that provides resources to women entrepreneurs.
Ventura-Rozen is deeply invested in local nonprofits and community events, especially those that champion children and women. Her 15-year legacy of involvement with The Shade Tree women’s and children’s shelter recently earned her a Woman of Impact award. She is the former president of the Collaboration Center Foundation and serves on the board of Commercial Real Estate Women.
Patrick Miller
President and Chief Executive Officer, Rio Las Vegas
Patrick Miller is a Las Vegas local who has worked in the gaming and hospitality industries for nearly 30 years. His career highlights include overseeing the $750 million transformation of Monte Carlo into Park MGM, which earned recognition for its innovative employee culture and guest services approach. Drawing on this experience, he’s spearheading Rio’s multi-year transformation to restore its status as a top Las Vegas destination.
“For decades, Rio has been a unique and special part of the city’s history, and there is widespread support and anticipation for its revival,” said Miller. “I look forward to unveiling the remarkable enhancements we’ve made and introducing innovative features that honor its legacy while attracting a new generation of visitors.”
As Miller leads the Rio renaissance, he’s committed to building from the bottom up. He is invested in the property’s growth and the growth of the teams he leads. He fosters strong relationships with Rio staff and prioritizes knowing employees by name.
Outside of his professional achievements, Miller is a passionate philanthropist, serving on the boards of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, MountainView Hospital and Cristo Rey St. Viator.