Term: 1991-1995
Term: 1995-1999

The 18th Mayor of the City of Las Vegas, Jones held the elected public office of Mayor of the City of Las Vegas from 1991 until 1999. In 1991 Jan became the first woman elected official in the City and was re-elected by a 72% margin in 1995. During her tenure as Mayor, Las Vegas was the fastest growing city in America, increasing in population by 66%. The City experienced in excess of $1 billion in additional growth in the downtown area, including the $70 million Fremont Street Experience, which she was instrumental in creating. Other additions during her tenure include a new County and Government Center, a $170 million regional Justice Center, a $90 million Federal Courthouse, and numerous other redevelopment projects. She brought a business perspective to government through implementation of several private/public partnerships and succeeded in redefining Las Vegas as a great place to live and work. While Mayor, the City of Las Vegas was identified by Inc. Magazine as the #1 city in the country for entrepreneurs, and by Fortune Magazine as the second in the nation in which to do business. Jones has lectured extensively to business and government groups as well as in many academic venues.

Jones is a graduate of Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and attended the University of Southern California School of Food Marketing Management. She has an extensive background in business administration, marketing, and business development.

Jones is the former Chairman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and former Nevada State National Committeewoman for the Democratic National Committee. She has formerly served on the Board of Directors for National Airlines, Inc.; HealthSouth Corp; and Community Bank of Nevada. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Resorts Association; Medical Device Alliance; National Conference for Community and Justice; and the National Judicial College. She serves as a member of the Women’s Leadership Board at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a Board member of Women’s Campaign Fund in Washington, D.C.

Her many honors and awards include: 2002 Woman of Valor, American Diabetes Association; 2001 Dream Builder of the Year for the “I Have A Dream” Foundation; 1998 Humanitarian of the Year, Muscular Dystrophy Association; 1995 Woman of the Year, Nevada Dance Theater; 1990 Heroes Award, National Conference of Christians & Jews; 1999 Best Public Speaker, the R-J’s Best of Las Vegas; and 1991-2001 Las Vegas’ Favorite Female, the R-J’s Best of Las Vegas.

Jan L. Jones is now Senior Vice President of Communications and Government Relations for Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. a $4.3 billion company, publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. In her capacity, Jan oversees government relations, public relations, community relations, Code of Commitment and Responsible Gaming programs for 26 casinos across the country under the Harrah’s, Showboat, Rio and Harveys brand names. She is responsible for communicating the company’s position on critical issues facing both Harrah’s and the gaming industry.