Season 5- Episode 20: Amy Respini and Jason Thomas

In this episode, we welcome Amy Respini of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and Jason Thomas of the Vegas Chamber, two powerhouse talent liaisons embedded within key business-facing organizations to support employer growth and regional economic development. Amy, who grew up between Southern California and Oregon, brings a background in psychology, mediation, and banking, along with early leadership experience serving on a Head Start board while still in college. Jason, a Los Angeles native and former UNLV quarterback, transitioned from juvenile probation work to workforce development, using his background in mentorship and community service to connect employers with job seekers. Together, they serve as the “tip of the spear” in a nationally recognized model that embeds workforce experts directly in chambers to make support seamless, responsive, and hyper-local.

Both Amy and Jason help businesses tap into a whole ecosystem of no-cost resources, such as state and federal hiring incentives, training reimbursements, and access to job-ready talent. Amy recalls helping a new business owner hire her first employee and secure over $12,000 in incentives. Jason highlights a salon owner who, with ongoing support, just experienced her first profitable quarter. Whether supporting startups or established firms, they guide employers through workforce strategies that can unlock up to $30,000 in savings, a reinvestable source of capital that fuels long-term sustainability and growth. They also serve as bridges between chambers, municipalities, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and community partners to ensure businesses have what they need at every stage.

Outside of work, Amy is a music enthusiast who still plays saxophone during the holidays, and Jason is a family man whose UNLV journey led to meeting his wife, a fellow student-athlete. Both are driven by their shared commitment to service, relationships, and long-term impact. Their advice to young people? Be open to opportunity, learn to build connections, and lean into purpose. 

For in-person networking, don’t miss the Vegas Chamber Mayoral Luncheon on August 12 at the Orleans, or LVGEA’s Perspective event on August 7 at ARIA, where hundreds of business leaders will gather to shape the region’s economic outlook.

EmployNV Business Hub:
 www.employnvbusinesshub.org

Amy Respini:
amyr@lvgea.org
(702) 350-2078

Jason Thomas:
 JThomas@vegaschamber.com
(702) 533-8255

LVGEA
 Las Vegas Perspective | Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance

Vegas Chamber
 Events & Programs | Vegas Chamber