LAS VEGAS—Caesars Entertainment Corporation’s Jan Jones Blackhurst, Executive Vice President of Communications, Government Relations and Corporate Responsibility, was recently recognized as the “2015 CSR Professional of the Year” by PR News. This award honors the most powerful, highest impact and most inspiring individuals leading CSR efforts for their organizations and beyond. This year’s finalists included Bob Langert from McDonald’s Corp., Angela Peruso from Verizon Foundation, and Tessie Tapel from Time Warner Cable, to name a few.
“I am humbled by this recognition from PR News as CSR Professional of the Year,” said Jan Jones Blackhurst. “I have been fortunate in my career to have opportunities to create programs and support initiatives that have a direct impact on people, communities and our world,” urst. “Corporate citizenship is a critical part of my everyday work at Caesars Entertainment. I am proud to be a part of an organization that values social responsibility and sustainability and look forward to continuing the great work.”
In her role at Caesars Entertainment, Jones Blackhurst oversees worldwide government affairs, corporate communications, community relations and corporate social responsibility programs. Those programs include industry-leading responsible gaming systems and its various initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity, contributing to charitable causes, and promoting environmental stewardship. She also serves on the board of directors and nominating committee of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the board of directors of Nevada Public Radio.
Inducted into Gaming Hall of Fame
Additionally, Jones Blackhurst is a recipient of the Human Rights Campaign Las Vegas Equality Pioneer Award, and in 2012 she was appointed the Vice-Chair of the Clark County Public Education Foundation. In September 2014, she was inducted into the American Gaming Assn. (AGA) Gaming Hall of Fame for her numerous contributions to the gaming industry, including developing a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity and promoting environmental stewardship throughout Caesars Entertainment.
“Caesars Entertainment has always put its social values on par with its mission to ‘inspire grownups to play,’ and Jan Jones Blackhurst uses her leadership and deep commitment to help bring those beliefs to life,” said Tom Jenkin, Global President of Destination Markets for Caesars Entertainment. “We are incredibly proud that Jan has been recognized for her achievements in CSR. The honor is well-deserved and reflects the personal and professional commitment Jan makes every day.”
Prior to joining Caesars in November 1999, Jones Blackhurst served two terms as Mayor of the City of Las Vegas. She was the city’s first woman chief executive and among the most popular mayors in the city’s history, having been reelected in 1995 by a 72 percent margin. While in office, Jones Blackhurst presided over an unprecedented period of economic, social and cultural expansion, one in which the city’s population increased 66 percent. She spearheaded a massive growth and redevelopment effort in the city’s once-neglected downtown neighborhood and played a pivotal role in conceiving, and promoting investment in the $70 million Fremont Street Experience among numerous other capital projects. Jones Blackhurst was also the first mayor in Nevada and among the first in the country to advocate for LGBT rights and issues as early as 1991.
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