This year marks the 25th year of VEGAS INC’s 40 Under 40 awards! For the last quarter of a century, members of the community have nominated young professionals who have marked themselves as leaders in their respective industries. Many of these individuals still influence Southern Nevada’s business landscape today.
Because of the impressive array of nominations received this year, the judges selected 42 honorees. Each person chosen for this honor has a unique skillset and background that they bring to their work and their service, and Las Vegas is a brighter place because of them.
This year’s class of honorees exemplify talent, drive and grit. They are the performers, real estate agents, doctors, teachers, philanthropists, leaders and changemakers who make the community one of diversity, growth and vibrancy.
The 2025 40 Under 40 originally appeared in a special issue of Vegas Inc found inside of Las Vegas Weekly. Sign up to get each of Vegas Inc’s special publications delivered to your inbox on the day of their release.
Josh Abelson, Co-Owner and General Manager, The Industrial Event Space
Josh Abelson Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 35
Josh Abelson moved to Las Vegas to open the Industrial Event Space with his partner Alexis. “We threw several parties in an old family warehouse, with no electricity, no carpet and no decor. Neither of us had any experience in the event/hospitality world but we took a risk to start something new,” Abelson said. With a background in customer service, Abelson worked to build his company up to the world-class event space it is today.
Khurmet Ayapanov, Assistant Principal, Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas
Khurmet Ayapanov Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
Khurmet Ayapanov is a dedicated educator with more than 17 years of experience in teaching and administration. Born in Russia to Kazakhstani parents, Ayapanov moved to Kazakhstan at the age of 13 where he initially aspired to become a pediatric surgeon. However, his passion for teaching blossomed as he tutored his siblings and neighborhood children, leading him to pursue a career in education instead.
Keith Baulsir, Senior Vice President and Chief Partnership Officer, Vegas Golden Knights and Foley Entertainment Group
Keith Baulsir Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
Keith Baulsir has been with Foley Entertainment Group since the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural season. Over the past seven years, Baulsir has played an instrumental role overseeing partnerships for the Golden Knights, City National Arena, Lee’s Family Forum, America First Center, the Henderson Silver Knights and the Vegas Knight Hawks. “I could not be prouder to be part of the organization that started the sports trend in Las Vegas. And it is even more special that we’re the only one of those organizations that’s Vegas Born,” Baulsir said.
Ashton Bray, Performance Director and Featured Dancer, Fantasy: The Strip’s Sexiest Tease
Ashton Bray Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 36
Ashton Bray began her career as a dancer and quickly gained recognition for her dedication to mastering all aspects of production. While performing, she took a proactive approach, observing backstage operations, helping and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire production process. Her role naturally evolved as she took on key responsibilities within the show and she ultimately became the performance director.
Justin Brewer, Chief Executive Officer and Founder Greenhub
Justin Brewer Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 34
Justin Brewer is the CEO and Founder of Greenhub, a payment processing independent sales organization that connects business owners with reliable payment platforms, facilitating transactions online, by phone and in-store. Greenhub specializes in high-risk industries, offering tailored banking solutions for sectors like cannabis, tobacco, gambling and credit repair.
Lizette Guillen Collins, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, Nevada Partners, Inc.
Lizette Guillen Collins Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
Lizette Guillen Collins started at Nevada Partners, Inc. when she was 19 years old as a front desk receptionist. Over 20 years, she was eager to grow her personal skills and now serves as the acting president and chief executive officer of the organization.
Collins secured funding that has strengthened youth education programs and housing support while introducing new initiatives like entrepreneurship to expand the available resources. She has a gift for connecting staff, partners and clients through her leadership.
Megan Comfort, Executive Vice President and Small Business Manager, Nevada State Bank
Megan Comfort Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
Megan Comfort thrives in discomfort. “That’s where the real change happens,” she said, referring to the personal growth that occurs by embracing the unknown. Comfort did not know where a bank teller job out of high school would lead, but with persistence and drive, she made her way through the ranks to become executive vice president at Nevada State Bank.
Martesha Deason, Director of Brand Marketing, Resorts World Las Vegas
Martesha Deason Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
With 12 years of experience in hospitality, nightlife and lifestyle, Martesha Deason is uniquely equipped to tackle a property as dynamic as Resorts World Las Vegas.
“I specialize in crafting innovative campaigns, managing cross-functional teams, and forging meaningful partnerships,” Deason said.
Meghan Fitzgibbons, Practice Director of Cardiovascular Services, Desert Region, Intermountain Health
Meghan Fitzgibbons Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 33
As the health care landscape in Las Vegas grows, its reputation in cardiac care has made huge strides. Much of that growth is due to the leadership of Meghan Fitzgibbons.
A former critical care nurse from Boston, Fitzgibbons relocated to Las Vegas in 2018 and grew into leadership roles at MountainView Hospital. There, she helped the hospital’s Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement program achieve a distinguished 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Cardiology.
Casey Flair, Director of Corporate, Social Responsibility and Corporate Affairs Aristocrat Gaming
Casey Flair Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
Casey Flair boasts an impressive track record of both professional and charitable accomplishments. In January 2023, he joined Aristocrat Gaming as the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility & Corporate Affairs where he is responsible for leading the company’s community-focused initiatives. Flair oversees all aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility, including implementation, operation, budgeting and administration. He plays a key role in driving Aristocrat Gaming’s annual goals and leads efforts to foster employee engagement through volunteerism and corporate events.
Lindsey Jamieson Gilbert, Senior Manager, Programming, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
Lindsey Jamieson Gilbert Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
When asked about her favorite place in Southern Nevada, Lindsey Jamieson Gilbert said, “Not to sound like a total suck-up, but I truly love The Smith Center. I believe we offer something really special to the community, with amazing programming, educational events for local students and impressive art and architecture.” She even got married in the center’s grand lobby before joining the programming team in 2021.
Jerry Goumroian, Founder, Meráki Greek Grill
Jerry Goumroian Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
Jerry Goumroian uses food to bring people together. Inspired by the family business, Goumroian pursued his education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York before returning to his roots in Las Vegas.
He has since worked with world-renowned chefs and his own family restaurants to share the joy of bringing people together over good food. “I’m fortunate that most days, it feels less like a job and more like pursuing a passion I’m privileged to call my career,” said Goumroian.
Armen Hadjimanoukian, Director of Development, Ovation Development Corporation
Armen Hadjimnoukian Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 31
Armen Hadjimanoukian plays a pivotal role in overseeing the design and construction of Ovation Development Corporation’s diverse real estate portfolio. A former intern at Ovation, Hadjimanoukian has dedicated his career to market-rate and affordable housing communities that contribute to tackling housing challenges head-on.
Brian Hager, President and Chief Executive Officer, Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center
Brian Hager Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
The mission of Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center is to provide resources and advocacy for neurodiverse individuals and their families. As the president of the foundation, Brian Hager leads the nonprofit by shaping strategic vision, expanding patient care, and engaging donors and advocates within the community.
Anderson Hu, Anesthesia Medical Director, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada
Anderson Hu Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
Anderson Hu was introduced to anesthesiology during his third year of medical school, and he was instantly entranced by the profession’s high expectations and skill set. Hu also learned that when a hospital’s anesthesiology department is well-staffed and efficient, the effects are transformational.
As the leader of Las Vegas’ first in-house anesthesiology team at University Medical Center, Hu has assembled a 50-person group of providers that allows UMC to perform, on average, 100 surgeries per day.
Stefanie Hui, Behavioral Health Administrator City of Las Vegas
Stephanie Hui Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
Stefanie Hui has lived in Las Vegas all her life and is committed to making it the best place to live. As an employee of the City of Las Vegas, Hui enjoys serving the community every day. Hui’s leadership is felt in her professional and volunteer work, not only with the city, but also with the CARE Coalition, the Kiwanis Club of Southwest Las Vegas and the Vegas Premier Athletics Booster Club.
Joe Kennedy, Executive Director, Get Outdoors Nevada
Joe Kennedy Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 34
A fourth-generation Nevadan, Joe Kennedy brings a wealth of diverse experiences to his leadership role at Get Outdoors Nevada. Having taught English in Japan, received an Emmy nomination for his costume design work on The Mindy Project and directed development at Teach For America Las Vegas, Kennedy’s talents are extensive and consistently service-oriented.
Joseph Kent, Deputy Director and Curator, Atomic Museum
Joe Kent Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
Joseph Kent is a key team member of the Smithsonian-affiliated Atomic Museum. With both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history, Kent has the education required to teach museum guests a balanced narrative of controversial history that has affected and still affects individuals locally and abroad.
Kent was recently responsible for the development of the Atomic Odyssey exhibit which uses immersive, interactive features to teach atomic structure, fission, fusion and radiation.
Melvin King, Managing Partner and Chief Organizational Officer, InspireWorks HR Solutions
Melvin King Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
Melvin King is an inspirational leader who is dedicated to connecting people and fostering growth. Last year, he founded InspireWorks HR to help meet the needs of Southern Nevadans. The business has already achieved revenue milestones and affected the community.
King is invested in initiatives that both build and represent the community, and he has secured more than $2 million through his grant writing.
Travis Koput, Vice President of Operations, Southwest Medical part of Optum
Travis Koput Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 36
Travis Koput has dedicated his career to ensuring high quality patient care, boasting more than 15 years of experience in health care leadership. He currently oversees primary care, urgent care, digital health and the closed observation unit.
“The most rewarding aspect of the job has been the ability to directly influence the quality of care that patients receive. The workplace is filled with individuals who demonstrate compassion and empathy, consistently prioritizing patient needs on a daily basis,” Koput said. “Their constant dedication to patient-centered care creates an inspiring and uplifting atmosphere, fostering a positive impact on both patients and colleagues.”
Dom Lewis, Director of Social Media, Light & Wonder
Dom Lewis Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 36
Dom Lewis is an award-winning digital and social media strategist who has spearheaded impactful campaigns for brands including Nike Football, the Seattle Seahawks and the University of Washington. Since joining Light & Wonder in 2022, Lewis and his team have reshaped the company’s social media presence across platforms with notable success on LinkedIn. Under his leadership, Light & Wonder became the industry’s fastest-growing and highest-engaging page on LinkedIn, with remarkable year-over-year growth in 2024.
Shantel Love, Global Vice President Customer Success, Pearson and Chief Executive Officer Shantel Love LLC
Shantel Love Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
Shantel Love is the global vice president of customer success at Pearson, the world’s largest learning company, and a mentor, author and speaker. Love is inspiring a new generation of women to break the glass ceiling and chase their dreams.
“Born to a 15-year-old mother and raised below the poverty line in a multigenerational household, my journey shows that your beginnings don’t dictate your destiny,” Love said.
Deana Marcello, Executive Vice President, Colliers
Deana Marcello Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
Deana Marcello initially thought she would be a lawyer. She worked as a paralegal and gained invaluable insight into the legal world, but having graduated college during the Great Financial Crisis, she didn’t feel comfortable investing in law school.
Marcello opted for a career in commercial real estate, which is a profession she knew well because it was also her late father’s career.
Mathilda Miller, Government Relations Director, Native Voters Alliance Nevada
Mathilda Miller Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 26
Mathilda Guerrero Miller is not naïve to the fact that politics can feel insular. It’s this notion that prevents some from participating in the political process. (What good is one’s voice if it’s never acknowledged?) As a young woman of color from a working-class family, and without the luxury of generational connections, wealth or influence, Miller can empathize with that sentiment.
Derek Morishita, Vice President of Food and Beverage, Sahara Las Vegas
Derek Morishita Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
Derek Morishita would be happy to tell anyone that food and drinks are his life—and he’s been fortunate to make them his career. After moving to Las Vegas in 2005 with the intention of returning to the Bay Area, Morishita eventually made Southern Nevada his home, where he started his family and established himself as an industry powerhouse.
Meesha Moulton, Owner of Meesha Moulton Law
Meesha Moulton Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
While a career in law is arduous, lawyers are not rare. But to build a successful law practice from scratch and earn a reputation for securing multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in personal injury cases? That is rare, and that’s what attorney Meesha Moulton has accomplished.
Meesha Moulton Law is not only recognized for personal injury law. Just last year, Moulton’s firm hit a new milestone by expanding into immigration law, which not only helps showcase her entrepreneurial aspirations but addresses a broader range of the community’s legal needs.
Michael Mutzhaus, President, Critical Care Comics
Michael Mutzhaus Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 32
Teacher by day and superhero by night, Michael Mutzhaus is making a difference in children’s lives every day. A Halloween costume as a college student and a chance encounter at the Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival inspired Mutzhaus to join Critical Care Comics and bring Spider-Man to life for children in hospitals. As the longest-serving volunteer in the organization and a tireless champion of the work, he now serves as the nonprofit’s president.
Ciara Owens, Managing Director, Leadership Development, Teach for America
Ciara Owens Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 36
Ciara Owens has been leading students and educators in Clark County since 2013. As a child, Owens watched how access to education shaped people’s lives and the opportunities they encountered. “I joined Teach For America as a corps member to be part of the solution and help build a world where every child gets the shot they deserve,” said Owens. “Now, I have the privilege of supporting and developing educators to create lasting impact in classrooms and beyond.”
Zahir Rahman, Vice President and Deputy General, Counsel Las Vegas Raiders
Zahir Rahman Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 36
Zahir Rahman is in his fifth season with the Las Vegas Raiders where, upon his hire, he became the youngest vice president in the organization’s history. He oversees day-to-day business operations for both the team and Allegiant Stadium. “The biggest challenge is also what makes working for the Raiders extra special; unlike other companies strictly driven by the bottom line, our job at the Raiders is to make every decision guided by our core principles of champion, community and culture,” Zahir said.
MacKenzie Rollison, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, Las Vegas, Imagine Exhibitions
Mackenzie Rollison Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
MacKenzie Rollison is a powerhouse of innovation, enthusiasm and hard work in the attractions and experiences industry. She loves the constant learning in her job as she delves deeper into the creative process and works to establish engaging experiences in Las Vegas.
“As a child, I never envisioned myself in the heart of Las Vegas, building iconic experiences. My journey here was unexpected, a series of fortunate encounters and exciting opportunities that unfolded before me,” said Rollison.
Elizabeth Shipman, Vice President, Organ Operations, Nevada Donor Network
Elizabeth Shipman Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 33
As the vice president of organ operations at Nevada Donor Network, Elizabeth Shipman oversees organ procurement and various transplant services.
“My ultimate goal is to make a meaningful, lasting impact on health care in this state, improving lives and ensuring that more people have access to the care they deserve,” Shipman said.
Vik Shrestha, Vice President of Online Gaming, MGM Resorts International
Vik Shrestha Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 37
Vik Shrestha is a seasoned leader with more than a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Now the vice president of online gaming at MGM Resorts International, Shrestha boasts a background in commercial strategy, business development and leading high-performance organizations. He has also become known for his ability to build and lead teams.
Frank Sidoris, Owner of Hard Hat Lounge
Frank Sidoris Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 36
Frank Sidoris learned early in his career how to assess the right opportunity. Not long after being hired to play guitar in Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis, he was offered the opportunity to go on tour with Vegas-born band The Cab. He mulled it over and debated leaving a paying gig to go on tour. Jerry Lopez of Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns gave him some measured advice: “Vegas will always be here for you. The tour won’t.”
Leah Silva, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Realtor, Eluciant
Leah Silva Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 34
Leah Silva’s passion for real estate has led her and her many clients to new heights of success. As the owner of Eluciant, Silva takes the time to get to know her clients, which keeps them happy and engaged and boosts her referral-based business model that has continued to grow despite economic waves.
“Homeownership is such a large piece of the American dream—everyone strives to own a home of their own,” Silva said. “Being the one who helps guide them along the way to make it an actual reality is where my passion for this industry truly lies.”
Griffin Tendler, Vice President of Marketing, Sapphire Las Vegas
Griffin Tender Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 30
Griffin Tendler was always mystified by Las Vegas’ energy and vibrancy, but when he developed a passion for music, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and entered a career in nightlife, his attraction to the city grew immensely. Upon moving here five years ago, he realized it was the perfect place for his passions to merge as he honed the art of creating an unforgettable experience.
Matthew Thacker, Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and Patient Care, Roseman University of Health Sciences
Mathew Thacker Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 32
Matthew Thacker is a visionary health care leader who is transforming dental care in Southern Nevada through innovative, community-focused initiatives. As the director of Roseman Dental Clinics, he manages the care of more than 7,500 patients while leading impactful programs that address health care barriers.
Kyaw Thein, Medical Oncologist, Hematologist and Clinical Assistant Professor Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada – Central Valley
Kyaw Thien Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 38
Kyaw Thein is a dedicated hematologist with a deep commitment to compassionate, culturally sensitive patient care. Growing up and training in Myanmar’s tertiary hospitals, Thein gained invaluable experience in diverse socioeconomic environments, fostering a strong desire to heal and serve underprivileged communities. This early exposure shaped his positive outlook on life and career in medicine.
Austin Tochner, President, Clique Hospitality
Austin Tochner Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 33
In just 10 years, Austin Tochner has grown from an intern at Clique Hospitality to the company’s president. He has participated in numerous venue openings and values the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry as he has learned to expect the unexpected.
Recently, Tochner was responsible for the simultaneous launch of four venues: Mijo Modern Mexican, Wax Rabbit, Bel-Aire Lounge and Bel-Aire Backyard.
Diane Tuntland, Chief Investment Officer, Endowment Partners and Fraser Asset Management
Diane Tuntland Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
While Diane Tuntland was a professional ballet dancer, she didn’t give much thought to her post-ballet career. Then two things happened: She enrolled in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and was mentored by her entrepreneurial grandfather, David Fraser, who taught her that wealth was less about income and more about careful investments. From there, she discovered a new talent in professional investment management.
Taylor Verhaalen, President and Owner, Stout Management Company
Taylor Verhaalen Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
After a stint in commercial real estate brokering, Taylor Verhaalen joined Stout Management Company in 2009—the family business he grew up learning.
Verhaalen started as an on-site property manager, where his leadership skills and business acumen were immediately evident. He quickly worked his way up and earned a promotion to regional manager, where he oversaw a portfolio of more than 2,000 units. He later became vice president.
Quinn Weathers, Senior Director of Mission Delivery & Operations, Make-A-Wish Nevada
Quinn Weathers Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 35
As senior director of mission delivery and operations for Make-A-Wish Nevada, Quinn Weathers led the organization to break its record of number of wishes granted in a year. Twice. This means that in just the past two years, 361 children in Nevada had a wish fulfilled.
“That doesn’t happen by accident,” said Weathers. “It’s been a purposeful process of putting together an all-star team, developing new and better ways to find eligible children in Nevada, and creating lasting relationships with partners in the community.
Vartan Zakhariants, Business Owner and Competition Organizer, VZ Dance Studios
Vartan Zakhariants Photo by: Las Vegas Weekly Staff
Age: 39
Vartan Zakhariants built a successful business to bring the community together through the arts. He started dancing at age 11, excelled in competitive dance and then founded VZ Dance Studios at 23. “Opening up my own studio allowed me to share this love with others, enriching lives, and building wonderful relationships along the way,” said Zakhariants.