Namesake
Elaine Wynn has established herself as a savvy business leader, influential philanthropist and dedicated crusader for children’s welfare. She has served as Director of Wynn Resorts since 2000 and has helped guide the company’s expansion from the opening of Wynn Las Vegas in April 2005 and Wynn Macau in September 2006 to the unveiling of Encore in December 2008.As Director of Wynn Resorts, Wynn oversees a multitude of details that contribute to the creation of the “Wynn lifestyle.” These range from the selection of staff uniforms, luxury shops and spa amenities to playing a key role in special events and the company’s charitable involvement. Prior to her current position, Wynn served in a similar capacity as Director of Mirage Resorts from 1976 to 2000.
Just as her success in business is indicative of Wynn’s intellect, her humanitarianism is indicative of her heart. Wynn is personally and actively involved in a variety of community organizations whose passions and priorities mirror her own – the enrichment of children. Her commitment to improve children’s lives through education has engaged Wynn in numerous leadership roles at the local level as well as the national level. A past member of the Executive Board of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education, she has served since 1997 on the State of Nevada Council to Establish Academic Standards. She also chaired the UNLV Foundation, (the private fundraising arm of that institution) for eight years. Most recently, Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons appointed Wynn co-chair of the Blue Ribbon Education Reform Task Force, created to ensure a successful state application for the federal Race to the Top competition.
Wynn’s role as a business leader in Nevada also led to her recent appointment to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board.
Wynn has been a strong advocate of programs and services for children at risk of dropping out of school. Since 1995 she has co-chaired the Greater Las Vegas After-School All Stars, providing thousands of children with high quality educational, recreational and cultural after-school programs.
She is the founding chairman of Communities in Schools of Nevada and was appointed as Chairman of the national board of Communities in Schools, the oldest, most successful stay-in-school organization in America. CIS provides community based integrated student services to over 1,250,000 children and their families at 5400 school sites.
Wynn’s philanthropy has extended into other arenas as well; she was Co-Chairman of the United Way Campaign in 1985, is a member of the National Board of the Prostate Cancer Foundation and has hosted special events to benefit multiple charitable organizations.
Wynn’s dedication to the community has garnered numerous awards and accolades including the Governor’s Philanthropist of the Year in 2005 and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 1986. She was recently awarded one of seven National Promise of America Founder’s Awards for improving children’s lives at a ceremony at the White House. She is most proud of the dedication of the Elaine Wynn Elementary School in 1991.
Wynn’s passion for the sport of basketball led to her appointment to the Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Governors in February, 2010.
Additionally, on July 22, 2010 she was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Born and raised in New York City, Wynn graduated from George Washington University in 1964 with a BA in Political Science. She resided in Washington D.C. before moving to Las Vegas in 1967.