LVGEA Team

Betsy has over 30 years of experience working in leadership roles in both the public and private sectors in Southern Nevada. Her wide-ranging experiences as a public-sector CEO/City Manager and as a private sector executive notably position her to provide valuable leadership in a variety of settings. She has a unique understanding of the intersection of government and private sector activities. She is widely recognized as a business, community and civic leader and has served in a variety of leadership roles on non- profit boards in Southern Nevada and served on State appointed committees. Fretwell is a published author in several professional journals and is a sought-after speaker, moderator, and panel participant.

Most recently, Betsy served as COO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix prior to returning to the company she founded, C4WARD STRATEGIES LTD, an independent consulting firm, specializing in management, government, and technology consulting, executive development, business development, program management and strategic advisory services.

She worked for Switch (an IT infrastructure ecosystem and data center company) for over 5 years. Betsy served as Executive Vice President of Strategy leading efforts in government affairs, public sector business development, mergers and acquisitions, strategic initiatives, real estate, entitlements and land development, and emerging technologies. She joined the Switch executive team when the company made its IPO in 2017 with a value of approximately $3.5B serving the company in progressively responsible roles until Switch was taken back private in late 2022 at a valuation of $11B.

Prior to working for Switch, Betsy retired from the City of Las Vegas, the nation’s 25th largest city, after 17 years and served as the second-longest serving City Manager in the city’s history, from 2009 to 2017. As a nationally recognized leader, she oversaw a complex organization of more than 3,300 employees with a $1.3B annual budget. Fretwell led the city through the Great Recession eliminating the operating shortfall of $115M and $400M structural deficit while maintaining the City’s AA bond rating. She also served as the Executive Director of the Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency charged with the economic revitalization of downtown Las Vegas. Under Fretwell’s leadership, the city built a new City Hall, attracted the corporate headquarters of Zappos.com, Inc. to downtown, completed The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, completed the MOB museum, and attracted the new UNLV Medical School to the City’s Medical District. During her tenure, she negotiated several highly complex development agreements for more than 15,000 acres of land within the City.

As a change leader, Betsy developed the Innovation District in downtown Las Vegas to test game-changing technologies in a live environment, hosting the first real-time autonomous shuttle in the U.S. The city also achieved a 4-Star community sustainability ranking by converting all city facilities to 100% renewable energy sources, improved the city’s equality index score to 100, and open data ranking to 1st among the nation’s cities during her time as City Manager.

Betsy’s prior work experience includes providing government relations, lobbying, strategic planning, organizational development, process improvement and special projects management at both the City of Henderson from 1998-2000 and Clark County from 1991- 1998.

Fretwell is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration. She completed the Harvard University Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program in 2007. She is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Betsy serves as the Vegas Chamber 2024 Chair and also serves on the Board of Directors for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, MountainView Hospital, Desert Research Institute Foundation, and Las Vegas Events. She is an emeritus board member of Nevada Public Radio. For fun Betsy enjoys playing golf, hiking, biking, gardening, and cooking.

Mitch Keenan grew up in Seattle, WA. After visiting Las Vegas as a teen, he decided on UNLV for his university experience. He quickly fell in love with the sunshine and everything UNLV had to offer. By his senior year, he met the love of his life in the Hospitality School, and the two have been together ever since.

Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s in Casino Management, Mitch was able to turn his Senior Year internship into a full-time opportunity. Quickly becoming a Casino Marketing Manager, it was a thrilling experience to be a part of a new property opening in Downtown Las Vegas. But, after getting married and starting a family, he wanted a change of pace

Throughout Mitch’s career, he has served major media organizations, worked for his Alma Mater UNLV, and most recently was a National Business Development Director partnering with higher education institutions, Non-Profits, and Healthcare groups all throughout the US. Mitch is excited to use his talents to serve the city and help contribute to the great work LVGEA is already accomplishing.

Mitch and his wife, Rebecca, now have two spunky daughters that keep them both very busy! They all enjoy cheering for the Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aviators, and taking advantage of our region’s beautiful parks and trails.

Heather Brown is a Las Vegas native who graduated from Western High School and UNLV and has dedicated her life to public service. Heather is President and Co-Founder of StartUp Vegas, a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to boost the startup culture and create an environment of entrepreneurship in Southern Nevada.

After graduating from UNLV, Heather found her voice in Washington, D.C., as the National Chief of Staff for the Young Democrats of America and then working for Democratic GAIN, a U.S.-based non-profit that focuses on building long-term sustainable infrastructure for progressives, as their Programs Director before starting her own firm. She focused on political and professional consulting for political parties, candidates, labor unions, allied organizations, and youth activist groups in Europe, South America, and the Middle East, most notably spending two years living in Brussels working for a European Political Party, running their training and grassroots outreach efforts.

Using her experience working across business sectors, programming, and membership-based outreach, Heather co-founded StartUp Vegas with the intention of helping diversify the Southern Nevada community. StartUp Vegas is focused on a bottom-up approach that will connect, educate, and promote a robust startup ecosystem by supporting founders/entrepreneurs, creating meaningful programming, and providing opportunities to access capital. Her public service continues today as an elected member of the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education for a six-year term representing District 6, which covers the southern portion of Clark County.

Amy Respini joins LVGEA as Talent Liaison, as part of a partnership with Workforce Connections/EmployNV, where she has been a member of their Business Services Team since March 2022. Bringing her ability to develop professional relationships that bridge community partners, resources, and businesses, Amy facilitates an integrated public workforce development system that links financial incentives for hiring Nevadans and diverse talent to businesses in all industries and sizes.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Southern Oregon University and is certified in Mediation and Conflict Negotiation. With a diverse background in banking, corrections, education, and workforce development, she enjoys volunteering her time on committees that span across the Vegas Valley when she can be of help.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys trips to visit her adult children and the outdoors via motorcycle rides, Jeep trips, camping, hiking, rafting, and diving with her husband of 6 years. She is an active Auxiliary Member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and is frequently seen across the Vegas Valley at business networking events in her advocacy of the business resources offered by LVGEA. Amy truly exhibits her personal and professional philosophy that ‘We haven’t come this far, to only come this far.’

As an Economic Development Coordinator with LVGEA , Nicole supports the business development team’s attraction, retention, and expansion efforts by assisting with economic research, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and administrative support.

Previously, Nicole worked for the Vegas Chamber as Grant Program Manager, where she assisted with the development, administration, and organizational operations of the EDGE program that’s powered by the Leadership Foundation. EDGE assists women and/or minority owned businesses that were impacted by Covid 19 navigate the difficult landscape of Las Vegas to create a strong & thriving small business community.

Nicole obtained her preliminary work experience at age 12, directing phone calls for her sister’s notary business. She previously acted as the Director of Technology and Agent Services for Keller Williams Realty and has functioned in a supervisory or managerial role for three small businesses that were women and/or minority owned.

Prior to moving to Las Vegas during the pandemic, Nicole attended the Cal State University of Fullerton and is still working to earn her B.A. in Women and Gender Studies with a minor in Psychology.

As Vice President of Investor Relations, Brooke manages investor recruitment and recognition efforts. She specializes in relationship building, external relations, and strategic growth.

Brooke has always found passion in community building. Before joining the LVGEA team, she served as Director of Development for Housing for New Hope, where she secured partnerships with new businesses, individuals, and foundations. In prior positions at United Way and Habitat for Humanity, she had the pleasure of working with more than 400 companies, where she fostered relationships with local businesses, community partners, and national retailers to generate donations for the organization’s largest fundraising entity. She has also served on the board of the Urban Chamber of Commerce and was a member of United Way’s Young Philanthropist society.

Brooke graduated from Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/ Media Studies. When she’s not on the job, you can find Brooke trying out a new recipe, playing tennis, or traveling.

Jason Berthiaume serves as the Events & Special Project Manager for the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA).

Growing up in a Navy family, Jason has lived all over the United States and several foreign countries. Settling in Florida for college, he earned his degree in International Affairs from Florida State University. Prior to joining the LVGEA team, Jason was the Education & Events Manager for the Florida Independent Automobile Dealers Association. In addition, he has experience in membership and government affairs for a national trade association, the Pellet Fuels Institute.

When not working, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports and exploring his new home of Las Vegas.

As Engagement Coordinator for the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), Daughn oversees the management and development of community investor relationships, and ensuring timely execution of projects and events. Specializing in relationship building, external relations, and strategic growth, Daughn excels in her role by leveraging her skills in event planning, project management, and investor services.

Daughn holds a BA in Communication, concentrating in Media Studies, and a minor in Sociology from Nevada State University. Beyond her professional endeavors, Daughn is deeply involved in global engagement and community service. As a member of the Salzburg Academy of Global and Media Change cohort, she actively contributes to international dialogues on pressing global issues, collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds to explore innovative solutions. Additionally, Daughn serves on the Outreach Committee for Vegas Young Professionals (VYP), where she plays a vital role in shaping the organization’s outreach strategies and initiatives aimed at empowering and connecting young professionals in the Las Vegas area. Her leadership within the community complements her global perspectives, showcasing her dedication to both local and global community engagement.

Outside of work, Daughn enjoys trying out new recipes, finding new hiking trails, and traveling, further enriching her well-rounded perspective and passion for life.

Rita Kubitz was born in Morocco and is a proud first-generation immigrant. She and her family moved to Orlando, Florida, where she spent her early years before relocating to Las Vegas in 2010. Rita graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), with a Masters degree in International Relations. As well as received her Bachelors of Business from the University of Miami.

With a natural passion for communication, Rita loves connecting with people and helping others succeed. She finds fulfillment in creating impactful marketing strategies and building strong, meaningful relationships. Outside of her professional life, Rita is a devoted dog lover and spends much of her time with her four dogs, who she considers family outside of her husband.

Rita’s diverse background and warm, down-to-earth personality shape everything she does, both in her career and in her personal life. She’s driven by the desire to make a positive impact and enjoys every opportunity to help others along the way.

Amanda Northrop earned her BFA in Graphic Design from GVSU, where her love of color theory, hand lettering, printmaking, and infographics flourished. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, her family frequently enjoyed spending time on the beaches of The Great Lakes. Throughout her education, she grew eager to use new skills in ways that connected her to the community. In 2012, Amanda was thrilled to join the award-winning climate journalists at Circle of Blue in Traverse City as a design intern, where her collaborations regarding the global water crisis were presented at The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

Upon graduating, Amanda freelanced for local clients in education and entertainment until a role with Vox’s Snapchat Discover team brought her to Washington, DC ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. She learned quickly how to produce graphics at the speed of breaking news, becoming Vox’s first Social Graphics Designer and later, Editor. Projects like “Weather 2050“, “These 3 Supertrees Can Protect Us From Climate Collapse“, and “25 Episodes that Changed Television” were amongst her favorites as they required the most cross-team collaboration and distinctive creative expression.

Amanda is frequently reminded of her favorite musician and travel writer, Neil Peart’s mantra: “What is the most excellent thing I can do today?”. Amanda is thankful every day to live in a place as lovely as Las Vegas, a community with no shortage of those “excellent things” from which to choose. In her free time, she loves exploring the city and nearby National Parks with her fiancé, playing drums, rollerblading, and gardening in the backyard with the assistance of renowned horticulturalist, Vino the cat.

A native New Yorker, Amy Palmeri relocated to Las Vegas after college and now calls Southern Nevada home.

She graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and earned minors in both mathematics and biology. After a 20-year career in chemistry, Amy decided to explore a different career path. She began the next part of her journey at the Henderson Chamber of Commerce. After 10 years with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, serving as the Government Affairs and Association Health Plan Manager, she joined the LVGEA team as the Business Operations Specialist.

When Amy is not working, she enjoys spending time with friends, live music, traveling, and the outdoors. She is a supporter of the Neon Museum, Adam’s Place, and World Central Kitchen.

Kevin Osorio Hernández (he/him/él) was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, and takes pride in his identity as a first-generation Guatemalan American. Currently, he’s pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in History pre-law at Nevada State University, driven by a strong passion for learning.

In both the Southern Nevada community and on campus, Kevin is recognized as a dynamic and influential leader. Serving as the President of the student body, he is deeply dedicated to public service. Additionally, Kevin works closely with a member of the Nevada State Assembly, amplifying his impact and dedication to civic engagement.

At the LVGEA, Kevin plays a crucial role in facilitating strong government relations with elected officials and partners in economic development alongside Amber Stidham, furthering his impact and dedication to his community.