Las Vegas is illuminated by an incredible group of highly accomplished female leaders who are forging paths and shaping the future of Vegas. These trailblazers have worked their way up the career ladder and share their resilience stories, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of success. Read on to learn about these inspiring Las Vegas businesswomen, the positions they now hold, and how they use them to positively impact their team and the local Las Vegas community.
Mary Ann Burns, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Boyd Gaming Corporation
In her 36th year with Boyd Gaming, Mary Ann Burns has held many positions, from hotel director, hotel and sales director, and Nevada regional sales director to her current role as a hotel operations vice president. She enjoys every aspect of her position because it means working with talented individuals, collaborating with property department heads to continually improve processes, and playing an important role in achieving her company’s goals.
She recommends that others network with other professional women through organizations like Women in Lodging, be engaged in the workplace, seek advice from senior leadership, communicate goals, and recognize and coach your team for success.
Along with earning her spot as one of the most successful women in Las Vegas, Burns has a love for the arts and enjoys attending her favorite plays, musicals, ballets or concerts at The Smith Center.
Katy Boettinger, Director of Hockey Administration, Vegas Golden Knights
The last eight years in Las Vegas have been the icing on the cake in the career of Katy Boettinger.
Throughout her tenure with the Vegas Golden Knights, she says it’s the people that make the difference. From players to staff members to families, Boettinger vows there are no better people than hockey people and considers herself fortunate to work with some of the best.
Boettinger points out that in her role, there’s also something new to learn and new opportunities to grow, and recommends to others not to set their own limitations and to always be ready to get creative, adapt and work hard.
One of her favorite traits of Las Vegas is the proximity of its resorts, live shows and entertainment, and incredible restaurants and outdoor beauty, creating amazing experiences for locals and visitors alike. A former history teacher, Boettinger enjoys visiting The Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas and hearing its guest speakers and panels.
Deanna Burgess, Corporate Vice President of Sales, Station Casinos
A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a degree in business administration, Deanna Burgess has lived and worked in Southern Nevada for more than 30 years, the last six of which have been at Station Casinos.
Burgess has worked in many facets of the hospitality industry in her career, including event planning, trade show sales, corporate meeting planning and analysis. In her current role, she loves the opportunity to showcase unique and special properties to industry planners and helping businesses form lasting memories here.
Her advice for other women in the industry is simple: Be true to yourself. Remaining open to learning and growing, Burgess says, and exhibiting patience are important because there is no definitive road map to follow in this profession. | Burgess enjoys the endless options available in Las Vegas, from entertainment to sports to the variety of food available, including her latest obsession, Ortikia Mediterranean Grill at Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa.
Pamela Goynes-Brown, Mayor, City of North Las Vegas
North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown has dedicated her life to the city she has spent nearly all of it in – she moved there when she was 2 years old and has never left.
Goynes-Brown has worked her way up the political ladder, serving as a city councilwoman, mayor pro tem and now as mayor since 2022. The first Black mayor in Nevada’s history, she cites her satisfaction in solving problems while constantly trying to ensure that residents are safe and thriving in the community where they also get to work and play.
Her advice to female leaders is to build a good support system and always keep the door open. When one door closes, keep going until the next one opens, while remaining confident in their capabilities and true to their genuine self.
In her spare time, Goynes-Brown frequents many Mexican restaurants in her community and enjoys Broadway shows at The Smith Center.
Stacy Hamilton, Vice President of Public Relations at MGM Resorts International
A 26-year resident of Las Vegas, including the last 13 at MGM Resorts International, Stacy Hamilton has seen the destination evolve and revels in the opportunity to share and promote her favorite resorts with the rest of the world, including Bellagio, ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, and others.
Hamilton reminds those seeking to become among the influential women of Las Vegas that asking for feedback isn’t a sign of weakness – it can make the recipient smarter and provide insights to make that individual more effective in their profession.
She has taken great pride and enjoyment from watching the destination evolve into a major sports city, and says an ideal night out would include a meal at one of the city’s many incredible restaurants – her current fave is LPM Restaurant & Bar at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – followed by watching a Golden Knights victory at T-Mobile Arena!
Lauren Harwell, Vice President of Accounts at Imprint Events Group
A 10-year Las Vegas resident, Lauren Harwell has spent the last seven with Imprint Events Group managing client relationships.
She is a proponent of collaboration and idea building and takes pride in the meaningful relationships she has fostered with clients and colleagues. Harwell urges women to trust their gut and to say yes to opportunities, even if they are unsure if they’re ready.
Harwell favors Carson Kitchen in Downtown Las Vegas when it comes to a good meal, but with good reason – her husband Cory is the chef and owner of this longtime locals’ favorite.
Debby Jacobs Felker, Founder and President, BUZZ
After two decades in the event design and hospitality industries in Las Vegas, Debby Jacobs Felker founded BUZZ in 2021. She formally launched the creative event design and experience company the following year and has become one of Las Vegas’ top women entrepreneurs.
Jacobs Felker believes no two events are alike, and her company’s focus is to create memorable and impactful experiences for clients and industry partners. She says that whether it’s premier culinary offerings, best-in-class shows or exquisitely designed hotels, no destination sets the bar higher than Las Vegas.
Her suggestions for aspiring female business trailblazers in Las Vegas: Have a future vision and work toward it daily, and to focus more on collaboration than competition because success is always better when achieved together.
When she’s not creating experiences, Jacobs Felker enjoys admiring the various seasonal changing of hotel lobby installations, and the constant refresh of creativity, innovation and design.
Kim Kopetz, President and Chief Executive Officer at The Opus Group
She’s only resided in Las Vegas for a year, but Kim Kopetz already has made a significant impact in her role at The Opus Group. She oversees experiential events in Las Vegas and takes pride in her team’s hard work to create new and exciting ways of engagement for their clients.
Kopetz, who has worked in various capacities at The Opus Group since 1998, except for a five-year stretch at Intel, says women in leadership in Las Vegas should continue to make connections and remember both the people they meet and what was learned from them. She stressed that people open doors and remember how you treat them.
When she’s not crafting experiences for clients, Kopetz enjoys places like the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas and dining at Esther’s Kitchen.
Ashley Lowe, Vice President of Sales, M Resort Spa & Casino
Since moving to Southern Nevada 22 years ago to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Ashley Lowe has never stopped learning.
Lowe stresses the importance of industry knowledge and staying informed and up to date on trends, developments and challenges. She says by continuing to learn and not hesitating to share their knowledge through strategic insights and innovative solutions, women can advance their careers as more valuable assets within their organizations.
Lowe says Las Vegas’ variety of unique conference venues and state-of-the-art hotel meeting spaces allows people in the meeting and convention industry to interact and create lasting memories in the destination, with options to suit every need.
In her free time, Lowe enjoys visiting Lake Mead, citing how its natural beauty combines with relaxation and adventure to rejuvenate her spirit.
Michelle Romero, Mayor, City of Henderson
For Michelle Romero, there’s no place like home. She was raised in Henderson, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Valley, and it’s where she met and eventually married her high school sweetheart, raised her family, and eventually ascended to the position of mayor she has held since her 2022 election.
She loves one-on-one interactions and helping people bring ideas to life for the betterment of the community. Her advice to women is to overcome fear of failure early, follow their interests and not to dwell on previous mistakes. She also suggests making time for what is most important in your life and says everything else will fall into place.
Romero enjoys dining at Mom’s Kitchen in Henderson and catching live events at Lee’s Family Forum, home to professional hockey, lacrosse, indoor football, women’s volleyball, concerts and other events.
Under the helm of these female leaders, the destination will continue to level-up its offerings, elevating the experience for all visitors. As you plan your company’s events, consider hosting one in Las Vegas.