(Carson City, NV) – Governor Jim Gibbons today announced his selection of Michael Skaggs as the new executive director of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development and the appointment of Luis Valera and Miranda Du as commissioners.

Skaggs has made a career out of economic development, including extensive work in the southwest as a consultant and advocate for regional development efforts. He most recently served as Vice President of Solutions for DW Turner Public Relations and Advertising in Albuquerque, developing communications strategies for business, government and non-profit enterprises.

He previously served as president and CEO of Next Generation Economy, Inc. in Albuquerque, Vice President of Albuquerque Economic Development and Chairman of the Economic Development Group in Phoenix.

“Mike Skaggs has left behind him a trail of economic development wherever he worked,” the Governor said. “He has tremendous experience working in Nevada as a consultant; he’s familiar with our state and region, and I’m confident he will help drive economic development here in Nevada.”

While serving as chairman of the Economic Development Group, Skaggs consulted with the Nevada Economic Development Commission, the Nevada Development Authority, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada and Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

“My initial focus will be to engage our leadership and all of our partners in developing fresh economic goals for the state, along with a strategy that we all agree will achieve the desired results,” Skaggs said. “Collaboration will be a key phrase for us. It’s essential that we worked closely with other parts of government and the 13 development authorities across the state. By working together on mutual objectives, we will be able to take on a very ambitious agenda and see results quickly.”

Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki applauded the appointment and said Skaggs will bring with him a tremendous amount of knowledge about best practices throughout the region that will help position the state for a prosperous future.

“Michael Skaggs has a proven record of success in economic development, and I am delighted that he has agreed to accept the executive director position," said Krolicki, chair of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. "We welcome the experience he will bring to the job and look forward to working together for many years to come."

Skaggs is scheduled to begin his service to the state by May 23, 2008.

Governor Gibbons today also announced the appointment of Luis Valera of Henderson and Miranda Du of Reno as members of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development.

Valera is currently the government relations director for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a board member with the Latin Chamber of Commerce. He is the former public affairs director with the Nevada Resort Association and previously worked as a financial advisor at Orgill Singer Insurance & Investments. He is a graduate of UNLV’s College of Liberal Arts and the Boyd School of Law.

Du is currently a partner at the law firm of McDonald Carano Wilson, LLP. She has Bachelors of Arts degrees in Economics and History from the University of California, Davis and her law degree from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley.
“I believe Luis and Miranda will be exceptional additions to the Nevada Commission on Economic Development,” Gibbons said. “They both have tremendous experience working with the business leaders of this state, and I’m confident they’ll serve us well.”

Valera said he was honored by the appointment.

“There’s nothing more important than continuing to diversify Nevada’s economy,” Valera said. “Nevada is a fertile ground for new and innovative business, and I look forward to doing whatever I can to foster such growth.”

Du said the lifestyle Nevada can provide is a critical tool in helping lure businesses to Nevada and encouraging entrepreneurs to set up shop in the Silver State.

“Not only do we have a tremendous tax structure, but there is not another state in the country that can provide the quality of life we have here in Nevada,” Du said. “I firmly believe Nevada is one of the best places in the country to do business.”

The appointments of Valera and Du take effect July 1, 2008.