Tony Gladney, a UNLV alum and former National Football League player, is vice president of national diversity relations for Caesars Entertainment. Gladney sat down with VEGAS INC recently to discuss his transition from the football field to the business world and his path up the executive ladder.
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Tell us a little about your younger years.
I’m from the San Francisco Bay area. I moved to Las Vegas in 1983 to go to UNLV, and I graduated in 1987 with a degree in multidisciplinary studies with an emphasis in business communication. I also played wide receiver on the football team. After graduation, I was signed to the NFL to play for the San Francisco 49ers for a year.
Name an accomplishment from football.
I was team captain against the New York Giants in 1987.
When and why did you come back to Vegas?
My football career was done and I saw Las Vegas growing, so I moved back in 1990.
What are your current job duties with Caesars?
I serve as a chief liaison officer for the company’s relations locally, regionally and nationally. I also work with Harrah’s and government officials on projects that unite the community.
How did you become a vice president?
I climbed the ladder. I was a cage cashier when I moved back to Vegas, believe it or not. Then, I moved up to being a director of the Multicultural Student Affairs Department at UNLV after my former Coach Wayne Nunnely asked me to fill his position. I was hired in 1993 to run MGM Grand’s Employee Outreach Program. In 1998, I became the vice president for their Community Affairs Department. I worked for MGM Mirage in 2000 as vice president of corporate diversity. In 2003, I left MGM and decided to work for Harrah’s. Here I am, eight years later.
What are some of the job’s perks?
I love being able to meet different people from different backgrounds, cultures and regions. I also love being able to travel to different parts of the country, too, especially places that have rich historical backgrounds and meaning, such as Atlanta or Washington, D.C.
Do people recognize you from being in the NFL?
My business career has had more longevity than my football career, so more people know me from a business standpoint. If we get talking about the game, there might be some name familiarization.
What is your favorite movie?
“Remember the Titans” I love that movie because they were able to come together and be a prime example that it doesn’t matter what background you are – “Together everyone achieves more.” That’s what “team” really stands for.
What would be your life motto?
“Never look down on someone unless you’re pulling them up.”
If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Ghandi. I would love to have some tea with Ghandi. What he stood for impacted so many movements that inspired change. His outlook on peace was amazing.