John is President and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Gas Corporation, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Board of Centuri Construction Group, Inc. He is responsible for leading the Company’s natural gas operations and pipeline construction services businesses.

His key areas of focus include investing in our natural gas distribution business to enhance safety, service, and reliability for our customers; continuing to grow the Centuri Construction Group in markets across the United States and Canada; facilitating collaborative relationships with our regulators, and maintaining a team of skilled and motivated employees.

John received Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in Economics from Northern Illinois University. He currently serves on the Boards of Trustees for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, the College of Southern Nevada Foundation, the Las Vegas Metro Chamber and the American Gas Association.

Dear Rotarians,

This past New Year’s Day, the 129th Tournament of Roses Parade was held in Pasadena, CA. With an estimated 700,000 people scattered throughout the streets of Pasadena trying to catch a glimpse of the various floats together with an approximate 73 million worldwide TV viewers, this is certainly one of America’s most enduring traditions.

For the 39th consecutive year, Rotary International entered a float into the parade. The 2018 entry “Planting the Seeds of Service” featured a bunny laying down in front of a peach tree (you can see a picture below) representing “a story of responsibility to our planet, our children, and humanity”.

The Rotary Rose Parade float is funded by donations from Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians. Every float has 12 walkers and 6 riders. If you would like to be one of these 18 people in the 2019 Rose Parade, you can make a donation at www.rotaryfloat.org, but you have to act quickly since these positions sell out.

If you just want to be part of the experience, you can volunteer to help decorate the float – just like our Youth Exchange student Pili Blanco did with help from DG Raghada Khoury. You can signup for a volunteer spot on the website.

Whatever your level of commitment to the float, let’s all commit to share the Rotary “story” in 2018 and help with our brand’s public image!

Michael Gordon
95th President
Rotary Club of Las Vegas

Las Vegas Rotary Club Meeting: December 21, 2017

• President Michael Gordon called the meeting to order, after which we were reminded of the many amazing projects, events, contributions and activities our Club and its members were involved in during the year and just how grateful we are. Arleen Sirois gave the invocation. Stu Lipoff led the club in singing our National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Sergeant at Arms was PP Steve Linder.
• President Michael reminded members that the Club is dark December 28, 2017, and January 4, 2018. The next meeting will be January 11, 2018.
• There were (0) International Rotarians, (4) visiting Rotarians and (10) Guests of Rotarians introduced.
• The drawing began at $500 plus this week’s donations. The Ticket Winner was John Ingeme who won $10 and the Lawry’s Bucks Winner was PDG Don Aikin.
• PP Randy Campanale was awarded the 4 Way Test coin for his extraordinary service above self.
• PP Steve Linder presented the new Rotary logo for the Aviation Museum – thank you to Bill Houghton; Jaime Goldsmith, on behalf of Treasure Island, provided beautiful holiday centerpieces for our last lunch of the year, which members were able to take with them; Randy Kinnamon announced a successful toy drive, gathering toys to serve over 1000 families, and thanked Club members for helping with distribution; David Squier said the recent Highway Clean Up on December 16 th was successful and a good time spent with others and a great brunch at Jerry Sennes’ home; Michael Williams reported a great success and participation at Opportunity Village Magical Forest, even though President Michael did not get assigned the hot chocolate station.
• PE Jim Kohl presented a check for $4,000 to Toys For Smiles, as well as a check for $5,000 to Spread The Word Nevada on behalf of his firm and the Club; the STWN representative announced it has adopted its 51st school and is on the way to adopting 9 more schools
• Katie Decker announced many amazing accomplishments for her schools, including several successful competitive Robotics Teams, Bracken Elementary being recognized as the National Title I School of the District and a most amazing gift of a totally remodeled playground at Hollingsworth by Dr. Steven Thomas
• President Michael introduced the new 25 Club leadership – President Kirk Holmes, VP Luci Parodi and Secretary Kim Nyoni, saying goodbye to outgoing President Erik Astramecki; 25 Club President Kirk Holmes announced the next 25 Club Social will be on Tuesday, January 16th at the Lawry’s Lounge around 5 pm.
• Kirk Holmes provided an overview of the vast scope of our club’s website, reminding members ‘if there is something you are missing it’s because you haven’t sent it in’
• Janet Linder announced the next new member orientation will be on January 9, 2018; and PP Randy Donald announced he and his wife are hosting a double (co-ed) baby shower in honor of Amanda Gordon and Janelle Anderson on January 7, 2018 – details to follow
• Sidra Kain and Tyler Wistisen introduced our program of wonderful Christmas carols. Merry Christmas to Rotarians and to all a good night!