Thom Reilly

Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 | 5:04 p.m.

Thom Reilly

Occupation: Executive Director, Harrah’s Foundation; President/CEO, The Reilly Group

Diversity Champion:

Through his firm, The Reilly Group, Thom Reilly helps create and oversee corporate responsibility programs for nonprofits and large and small companies. Reilly, Clark County’s first openly gay county manager, oversees the Harrah’s Foundation, where he has helped the gaming giant expand its support of diverse programs by establishing and facilitating valuable nonprofit partnerships. Reilly also helped implement a policy at Harrah’s Foundation that ensures its exclusive support of organizations that provide services and volunteer opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, identity or disability. Additionally, Reilly is a professor at San Diego State University, where he teaches social work classes.

What are the key ingredients to a successful diversity initiative?

1) Secure company’s leadership commitment; 2) diverse representation at all levels; 3) financial commitment to diversity by the company; 4) consider all dimensions of diversity but maintain a commitment to racial and ethnic diversity; and 5) evaluate results. The most important aspect for the Harrah’s Foundation was to incorporate diversity in all aspects of our operation. In order to be considered for a gift from us, applicants must demonstrate how they are committed to diversity.

Explain the importance of having a diverse work force in your industry.

Organizations should reflect the diversity of the population they serve — at all levels of the organization.

How has the recession impacted diversity efforts?

I have really appreciated the fact that Harrah’s continues its commit to philanthropic giving and diversity even when times get tough. I don’t think that is the case with many organizations. Corporate giving and diversity efforts are often some of the first areas sacrificed in tough economic times.

Who is your mentor or hero?

I have too many to list. I am a great believer in having multiple mentors.