E. James Gans

James Gans is Senior Vice President of Administration at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority. He was born in Seattle, Washington but his parents moved to Las Vegas to follow his aunt and uncle in 1950 for health reasons and job opportunities.

A member of the Las Vegas Centennial Committee, James' favorite memory of Las Vegas is playing at the Fish Hatchery in the 1950s on Vegas Drive, the Twin Lakes Pool on Washington and at the old springs around Decatur and Charleston Blvd. He also remembers watching movies at the Motor Vue Theatre, Hotel Last Frontier and walking around its Western Village. His favorite piece of Las Vegas trivia is drilling dice for key chain souvenirs in the 1950s for the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall.

What will Las Vegas be like in 100 years? James says that from the changes he's observed for the past 50 years, we will not recognize Las Vegas in 100 years. It will become a mecca of entertainment for the world in ways we cannot currently dream of and one of the largest cities in the U.S. surpassing western cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix.

His vision for the Las Vegas Centennial is an exciting year of fun-filled special events and activities that will thrill locals and visitors alike.