(Carson City, NV) – Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the full membership of his Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission, which will review state government in an effort to streamline operations, maximize the use of taxpayer dollars and improve customer service.

Already announced was the appointment of Commission Chairman Bruce James, President of Nevada New-Tech, Inc. and former U.S. Public Printer. During his term as the presidential appointee overseeing the United States Government Printing Office, James converted a burdensome government bureaucracy into an efficient and more effective agency of government.

Joining James as SAGE Commissioners are:

• Don Ahern, President and CEO of Ahern Rentals

• Barbara Smith Campbell, Founder and CEO of Consensus LLC, former Vice President of Finance for MGM Grand Resorts Development and former Chair of the Nevada Tax Commission

• R.B. “Bob” Feldman, President and CEO of Nevada General Insurance and Auto Insurance America, operating in three states

• Robert Forbuss, President of Strategic Alliance, past President and owner of Mercy Ambulance, now AMR in Las Vegas, and past Chairman of Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce

• Randy Garcia, founder and CEO of The Investment Counsel Company

• David Goldwater, President of Goldwater Capital Nevada, LLC and former Nevada State Assemblyman

• Steve Greathouse, former Senior Vice President of Operations for Mandalay Resort Group, former CEO of Alliance Gaming and former President of Harrah’s-Casino Hotel Division

• Steve Hill, Senior Vice President of California Portland Cement, founder and President of Silver State Materials, now a subsidiary of California Portland Cement

• Jan Jones, Senior Vice President of Harrah's Entertainment – Internal and External Communications/Government Relations, former two-term Mayor of Las Vegas, and former Chairwoman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

• Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest and Braniff Airlines, former Group Vice President for United Airlines, Author, Speaker and Business Advisor

• Jerome Snyder, industrial park developer, creator Bingo Palace, later Station Casinos, Inc. and owner of Sun West Bank and Integrated Financial Associates

• Jim Thornton, founder and President of Nevada Paving, later sold to Granite Construction Company, former Reno City Councilman

• Carole Vilardo, President of Nevada Taxpayers Association

While the Governor originally created the commission with 12 members, he decided to expand the commission to 14 members due to the quality and quantity of citizens interested in becoming a member.

“This incredible group of Nevadans is a small sampling of the tremendous business spirit that’s alive and well in our state,” the Governor said. “I am incredibly proud of the breadth and depth of experience this commission possesses and I’m confident they will do the work necessary to truly drive change in our state government.”

The SAGE Commission will hold its first meeting June 26 in the Media Room on the second floor of the Capitol Annex in Carson City. Chairman James said he’s very happy with the makeup of the commission.

“This group is truly representative of Nevada in the wide range of business and government experience, as well as geographically and politically,” James said. “I know we’re all looking forward to making recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature that will ensure state government is as efficient and as effective as possible.”

The Governor has directed the commission to give him regular updates of its progress, as well as forward all recommendations to him immediately so there’s no waiting to realize the savings and efficiencies identified.