Wynn Resorts’ General Counsel Ellen Whittemore has been appointed chairwoman of the Nevada Resort Association for the 2021-22 term.
In addition to her role as general counsel, Whittemore serves as executive vice president and secretary for Wynn Resorts. She is a renowned expert in gaming law, compliance and licensing with more than 30 years of experience representing some of the world’s largest and most progressive gaming companies. Whittemore has been recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” in the gaming industry, is an officer of the International Association of Gaming Advisors and on the board of directors of Global Gaming Women.
In a statement about her new role, Whittemore said Nevada’s resort industry is “the state’s economic engine and largest employment sector,” and plays a “vital role we play in communities across the state.”
Following the turmoil caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, “We are working collaboratively together to restore our tourism-based economy and bring more Nevadans back to work as soon as possible,” Whittemore noted. “Our industry remains steadfast in our commitment to protect the health and safety of our employees, guests, and fellow residents and doing all we can to help state and local public health authorities end this pandemic. While we have much work ahead, we are confident in Nevada’s future.”
The Nevada Resort Association is the industry’s principal lobbyist in the state, with membership that includes 76 casinos and hotels. New members recently announced are Golden Entertainment and the Westgate Las Vegas.
Other appointments also were announced last week. Andy Abboud, senior vice president of government relations for Las Vegas Sands, was named the association’s vice chair. Boyd Gaming Senior Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs Paul Anderson was named treasurer. And Resort Association President Virginia Valentine will serve as the board secretary.
