Chamber CEO recovering from open-heart surgery, will return to work next year

The president and chief executive officer the of Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is recovering from open-heart surgery and a stroke, a chamber spokeswoman said Wednesday, but won't return to work until next year.

Matt Crosson, who took over the post in April, reported feeling unwell about three weeks ago. After a visit to a local hospital, doctors determined that Crosson needed open-heart surgery. Crosson suffered a stroke a few days after the surgery.

Cara Roberts, the chamber's spokeswoman, said strokes are a potential risk for the type of surgery Crosson had.

Crosson is undergoing several weeks of rehabilitation and his prognosis for full recovery remains good, Roberts said. He's expected to return to his job early in 2011.

Roberts said Crosson felt well after his initial surgery, even staying in contact with his chamber staff via his BlackBerry.

"He was feeling very good and recovering very nicely," Roberts said. "The medical experts are telling us that he's already progressing along very well (in recovering from the stroke). We're really optimistic, and we have every reason to expect that he will be back on the job in early 2011. I imagine it's just a matter of time before he gets his hands on that BlackBerry again."

Roberts said in a statement that the chamber staff will continue to carry out initiatives that Crosson placed in motion, consistent with the board of trustees' strategic direction, including implementing the new Viva Las Business programs.

The program encourages Las Vegas residents and businesses to unify in their efforts toward economic recovery by purchasing from local companies.

Kristin McMillan, chairwoman of the chamber's board of trustees, will temporarily handle administrative matters and programs in Crosson's absence.

Crosson replaced Kara Kelley, who announced last year that she would pursue other professional opportunities.

Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.