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Profile of Jan Jones: Ex-Mayor of Las Vegas Has Powerful Role at Harrah's

In her role as senior vice president of communications for Harrah's Entertainment Corp., former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones is typically referred to as the casino giant's "spokeswoman."

But that title doesn't accurately portray the power placed in Jones' hands by Harrah's when she was appointed in October.

Jones oversees the traditional spokesperson functions of Harrah's, such as communicating with the media and employees. But also in her hands is the lobbying machine of Harrah's -- one of the most extensive in the gaming industry, with lobbyists in 10 states and the District of Columbia.

Harrah's is one of the most powerful companies in the gaming industry, with 20 casinos scattered across the United States, including Harrah's and the Rio in Las Vegas.

Over the first nine months of 1999, it recorded a profit of $149.3 million on revenues of $2.28 billion. In late 1999 the company moved its headquarters from Memphis, Tenn., to Las Vegas.

At Harrah's, Jones reports only to Phil Satre, Harrah's chairman and chief executive.

Now she uses the political network she garnered as mayor of Las Vegas to the advantage of Harrah's and the gaming industry.

"I have a very good network that can be advantageous," Jones said. "Because of my knowledge of politics and the industry, I can help set the record straight (about gambling)."

Jones is a force within the Democratic Party and serves as a vice chairwoman of the business council of the Democratic National Committee. She also holds a board position on the Nevada Resort Association and works closely with the American Gaming Association.

"Through her years (in office) and her seniority, she would have very strong connections," said Frank Fahrenkopf, president of the AGA and former chairman of the Republican National Committee. "As we go forward with issues here in Washington, she can be of great assistance to us, particularly on the Democratic side.

"The problems this industry faces, not only in Washington but in various states, are not a Republican or a Democratic problem. It cuts across party lines. Anytime someone in this industry can have an articulate, informed spokesperson, it's invaluable."

Even the industry's most strident opponents acknowledge Jones' political clout.

"Her credibility is about the level of Frank Fahrenkopf's," said Tom Grey, executive director of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling. "She was the best political person money could buy."

Jones, an ally of the gaming industry while in office, likes to talk extensively about the industry's benefits from her new executive position.

"All of the misinformation being floated about the industry is quite disturbing," Jones said. "We're the engine that drives the economy. Breaking the engine is not very prudent.

"I think the industry needs to quit being (silent) and take a strong stand. Harrah's can take the lead in really communicating the positive things the industry provides to the community."

The gaming industry is often accused of being predatory, but Jones points out that 3.5 billion credit card solicitations were sent out last year -- more than 17 for every American adult. For every one bankruptcy triggered in part by gambling, 30 are caused by credit cards, she said.

She also took a shot at proposals to raise taxes on Nevada's casinos, an idea being pushed in a ballot initiative by state Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas.

"There are a number of areas we can look at before raising taxes," Jones said. "There are a number of huge companies in Nevada that pay no tax. Other companies aren't building $1 billion properties in Las Vegas."

Taking the job proved to be a challenge for Jones, who already had an extensive array of positions throughout the community. Many had to be scrapped in favor of the Harrah's job. Jones won't say how much she makes at Harrah's, other than saying she is compensated "fairly."

One of the biggest jobs she left behind was her position as executive director of Nevada Resort Partners. The group, formed as a partnership between the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Nevada Resort Association, formulates strategies to keep Nevada competitive in the face of growing competition. Jones' position there paid $250,000 a year.

Jones also pulled out of J&B Strategic Alliance, a public relations consulting partnership she had with Robert Forbuss, chairman of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

"There was a conflict," Jones said. "I can't represent other clients when I'm working at Harrah's."

Jones also stepped away from many of her board positions because of time concerns.

But she remains on two boards of for-profit companies -- Community Bank of Nevada, where she has been a director since the bank's founding, and HealthSouth, a $4 billion health care company.

HealthSouth, based in Birmingham, Ala., owns and operates several outpatient rehabilitation centers in Nevada. Jones, appointed to the board three months ago, said she received the nomination through the help of a friend in Washington who works for the HealthSouth board.

Her nonprofit board positions include seats on the National Conference for Communities and Justice (formerly The National Conference of Christians and Jews) and the Las Vegas Symphony.

Another position that she hasn't walked away from is her role as "consultant" for KLAS Channel 8. She appears on the station's newscasts, reporting stories and discussing issues.

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