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GOED’s Steve Hill chose Paul Anderson to replace him

Updated September 22, 2017 - 5:45 pm

Steve Hill, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, chose his successor.

Paul Anderson, who submitted his resignation Friday from the state Legislature, will start as deputy director at the economic development office Oct. 2.

Hill is a candidate for an executive level position at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, and told the Review-Journal that he intended to leave GOED even without the position at the authority.

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval told the Review-Journal in an email that he was “saddened” to hear of Hill’s departure, “but certainly urged him to pursue this exciting opportunity” at the authority.

Sandoval said Hill suggested Anderson as an addition to the economic development office.

“I immediately embraced the idea,” Sandoval said. “Paul was an outstanding member of the Assembly and an incredible leader. He was instrumental in the Tesla, Apex and stadium and convention center Special Sessions.”

A post at the LVCVA

It is unclear whether Hill approached the authority about a position, or whether the LVCVA first contacted Hill about the position.

Neither Hill nor the authority returned a request for comment Friday.

LVCVA Chairman Lawrence Weekly and authority board member Larry Brown said the news of Hill possibly joining the authority was news to them.

Hill said the LVCVA could make a hiring decision as soon as Oct. 10.

“The timing for him and the LVCVA is such that he had to leave early in order to get this done,” Anderson said of Hill’s early departure.

Hill out, Anderson in

Hill and Anderson have a history together, and Anderson said Hill approached him multiple times about possibly joining GOED. Anderson was “looking at different opportunities” and decided GOED would be a good fit at this time.

After selling his company, AndersonPC, in 2015, Anderson had a yearlong contract to help with the transition period. That contract ends at the end of September.

He said he’s taking a pay cut to work at GOED, but he will have until January to figure out his next move.

“As much as I want to make sure I do a good job, and I have big shoes to fill, it’s an opportunity for me as well,” Anderson said. “It gives me an opportunity to work with all the major CEOs of the state, get to know the new businesses coming in.”

Anderson said the hire “became official” Wednesday.

Sandoval is slated to appoint Anderson as executive director when Hill leaves.

“Paul will ensure that GOED’s mission to recruit the best businesses in new and emerging industries will continue and I am confident his performance will be consistent with his stellar record as a businessman and member of the Legislature,” Sandoval’s statement continued.

Anderson said he will work to stay the course with GOED when its under his direction and try to “do no harm.”

Contact Nicole Raz at nraz@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4512. Follow @JournalistNikki on Twitter.

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