HENDERSON, Nev. William C. Wortman, co-founder and principal of Cannery Resorts, and Hannah Brown, retired business executive and immediate past president of the Urban Chamber, recently joined the Nevada State College’s Foundation (NSCF) Board.
Both Mr. Wortman and Ms. Brown bring a tremendous amount of experience with them to the NSCF Board.
William C. Wortman is a founder and principal of Cannery Casino Resorts, LLC, a limited liability corporation that owns the Cannery Casino & Hotel, the Rampart Casino and the future Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel. Wortman developed his casino experience during his tenure with Caesars World, Inc., parent company of Caesars Palace and Caesars Tahoe and as an owner/operator of several local casinos over the past 20 years.
His career with Caesars began in 1978 when he served as financial controller for Caesars Palace. He later worked with Caesars World management to develop financial controls and internal policies to meet New Jersey gaming requirements for the Atlantic City project, Caesars Boardwalk Regency. As chief financial officer for Caesars Palace, Wortman’s duties included all financial responsibilities such as credit policies, cage activities and financial transactions, all in accordance with Nevada gaming regulations.
Wortman became vice-president of administration for non-gaming departments at Caesars Palace. He launched Caesars Palace as an events center with international appeal. The Muhammad Ali vs. Larry Holmes heavyweight fight was the first in which Caesars competitors used the event to market to their clients. Wortman later transferred to the Lake Tahoe property as president and chief operating officer. At that time, a Far East marketing department was launched at Caesars Tahoe to develop a high-level Asian player base. As the senior executive, Wortman traveled extensively to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia to develop premium player business for the Tahoe property; market share doubled as a result. His experience has provided an in-depth understanding of the highly competitive high-roller market and Caesars World became the industry leader.
In 1983, Wortman purchased an interest in two Fallon, Nev. properties, the Fallon Nugget and Bonanza Inn, both of which became successful and profitable entities. In March 1985, he purchased a substantial equity position in the Nevada Palace Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas and assumed the management and operational duties for the property. As Nevada Palace’s executive in charge, Wortman gained extensive knowledge of the Las Vegas locals 
market, which is among the largest and most unique gaming markets in the United States. His experience has provided him with the ability to create and market gaming products to Las Vegans and frequent Valley visitors.
Wortman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Hannah Brown, past president of the Urban Chamber and longtime community activist, has been making a difference in Southern Nevada for several decades. Ms. Brown, who was the first black regional manager, male or female, in Delta’s airport customer service division, was profiled by Ebony Magazine in the early 90s as one of the 100 Most Promising Black Women in Corporate America. Ms. Brown has served on numerous community and education boards. Most recently, Ms. Brown served on Nevada State College’s diversity advisory board and was instrumental in creating a long-term strategic plan for the College to improve outreach efforts to underserved populations.
We are thrilled that Bill Wortman and Hannah Brown have joined the Nevada State College Foundation Board. Bill and Hannah represent the best of Southern Nevada. Both individuals bring with them a wealth of experience and a passion for improving higher education, said Glenn Christenson, NSCF Board Chairman.
Mr. Wortman and Ms. Brown join 16 active Foundation Board members including: Glenn Christenson (Managing Director, Velstand Investments, LLC, Henderson, NV), Randy A. Garcia (Chief Executive Officer, The Investment Council Company of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV), Sherry Colquitt (Civic and Community Leader, Las Vegas, NV), Selma Bartlett(Executive Vice President/Regional President, Bank of Nevada, Henderson, NV), Fred Maryanski (President, Nevada State College, Henderson, NV), Mike Benjamin (CEO & President, Benjamin Enterprises, Las Vegas, NV), James B. Gibson (Senior Vice President, Greenspun Corporation, Henderson, NV), John R. Gibson (CEO, American Pacific Corporation, Las Vegas, NV), Van V. Heffner (President and Chief Executive Officer, Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association, Las Vegas, NV), Robert D. Martin (McCrea Martin Allison, Ltd., Las Vegas, NV), William E. Martin (Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board, Service1st Bank of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV), John Ritter (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Focus Property Group, Las Vegas, NV) Dan K. Shaw (President, ShawJones Partners, LLC, Las Vegas, NV), Erik Sletten (President, Sletten Construction of Nevada, Inc., Las Vegas, NV), Dan H. Stewart (President/Owner, Valley Construction Co., Reno, NV), and William O. Wagnon, III (Chief Executive Officer, MountainView Hospital/Sunrise Health, Las Vegas, NV)
William Wortman and Hannah Brown join the Nevada State College Foundation Board
