The Art Box - Episode 419 - Raising the Top Step: Tom Burns on Opportunity, Growth, and Nevada’s Future

In this episode of The Art Box, Steve sits down with Tom Burns, Executive Director of the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development, for a thoughtful conversation about how opportunity grows communities. Tom shares an idea that has guided much of his work: raising the top step of the stool. When individuals are given the chance to reach higher, through education, opportunity, and economic growth, it lifts families, neighborhoods, and entire communities along with them. Appointed by Joe Lombardo in 2023, Tom brings decades of experience in business, finance, and civic leadership to the role. A University of Nevada, Reno graduate and longtime Southern Nevada business leader, he reflects on his journey from CPA with Deloitte to commercial insurance executive and community advocate, as well as his service with organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. Along the way, the conversation explores Nevada’s evolving economy, the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and communities, and how thoughtful leadership can help build ladders of opportunity for the next generation. It’s a discussion about growth, possibility, and what it takes to raise the step stool high enough for everyone to climb. Learn more here: https://goed.nv.gov/