Jan Jones Blackhurst has joined the Caesars Entertainment’s board of directors, replacing Richard Schifter, who resigned as a director effective September 5. Blackhurst, who has been a senior executive at Caesars since 1999, will continue in her current role of executive vice president, public policy and corporate responsibility, until October 1.
During her 20 years at Caesars, Blackhurst helped develop and grow the industry’s first responsible gaming practices to include an ambassador model for the gaming industry and the first industry code of commitment. Under her leadership, Caesars Entertainment has earned a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for 10 consecutive years. Most recently, she led the Company’s Gender Equity Initiative. Ms. Blackhurst also served as Chair of the Caesars Foundation, strengthening communities through philanthropic activities and corporate gifts.
“Jan is not only a driven and accomplished leader, but she is also a legend in Las Vegas—the city’s first woman mayor and a popular leader in business and politics—and we are thrilled to welcome her to the board,” said James Hunt, chairman of Caesars Entertainment. “With her appointment, Caesars will continue to benefit from her vast experience, expertise and incredible relationships and I am confident she will bring valuable leadership and insight to our board.”
“Jan has had a groundbreaking career in the gaming industry and I am happy she will remain with us as a board member and trusted advisor,” said Tony Rodio, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. “Jan is known and widely respected for helping create a diverse, inclusive workplace, advancing environmental stewardship, advocating for important social issues and contributing giving to individuals, families and communities in need. Caesars has been very fortunate to develop and refine its social responsibility practices under her leadership. I thank Jan for her 20 years of distinguished service to our company, our team members and the communities we serve.”
Blackhurst commented, “I am delighted and honored to be joining the Board of Caesars. I have tremendous respect for Jim, Tony and the other board members and I look forward to working with them. I will continue to advocate that Caesars takes a leading role as a responsible corporate citizen. I am proud of the course we have charted and committed to continuing it.”
Blackhurst serves on numerous boards, including the board of directors of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Leadership Board at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She is chairwoman of the Nevada Resort Association and Las Vegas Stadium Authority.
She has also received many recognitions and accolades throughout her career including the Americanism Award from the Anti-Defamation League; the Woman of Diversity Award for “100 Years of Influence—Women Shaping the First 100 Years of Las Vegas.” She was named as one of the “Women Who Mean Business” by the Las Vegas Business Press. In 2014, she was one of the first women to be inducted into the American Gaming Association (AGA) Gaming Hall of Fame.
Blackhurst holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Stanford University and attended the University of Southern California’s School of Food Marketing Management.
