County manager stepping down to lead Resort Association

By Kyle B. Hansen

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 | 4:19 p.m.

County Manager Virginia Valentine is resigning to become the next president of the Nevada Resort Association.

Valentine, who has been the county manager since August 2006, will replace Bill Bible as president of the lobbying group beginning Jan. 4, prior to the start of the legislative session.

It will be up to the Board of County Commissioners to appoint Valentine’s replacement and to decide who will lead the county until that person is in place, county spokesman Erik Pappa said.

“The gaming industry drives Nevada’s economy and employs its people. The current economic climate and its challenges make this an opportune time to play a role in shaping the future of gaming and the future of the state,” Valentine said in a statement from the county. “An opportunity like this doesn’t come along every day. Still, the decision was a very difficult one. I appreciate that I was able to serve the County over these last eight years. I could not have done it without the support of the board and the employees there, and for that I’m grateful.”

Valentine was the assistant county manager from November 2002 to August 2006. She was Las Vegas’ city manager from June 1998 to July 2002.

Prior to her work in the city, she was a senior vice president at a national consulting engineering firm. She also was the first chief engineer and general manager of the Clark County Regional Flood Control District when it was created in 1986.

She holds a master’s of public administration from UNLV and a civil engineering degree from the University of Idaho. She is also a registered professional engineer in Nevada.

“We are thrilled Virginia has accepted this role,” association Chairman Keith Smith said in a statement. “At a time when our association is expanding its mission and significance, Virginia will bring not only a fresh perspective to our association, but also a wealth of experience in management of diverse groups and interests.”