New head of NAC appointed

Las Vegas lawyer Francisco Aguilar will succeed John Bailey as commissioner of the Nevada Athletic Commission.

Bailey's tenure ends Oct. 31, and Aguilar's appointment becomes effective Nov. 1.

In making the appointment, Gov. Jim Gibbons said in a statement: "Francisco Aguilar has just the right combination of experience and enthusiasm for the Nevada Athletic Commission. I am certain he will work closely with the other commission members to serve the best interests of our state."

Aguilar serves as corporate and communications counsel for the Andre Agassi Foundation and Agassi-Graf Holdings. He has worked for Southwest Gas and as special counsel to the Chancellor for the Nevada System of Higher Education.

"I am proud Governor Gibbons has given me this opportunity to serve on the Nevada Athletic Commission," Aguilar said. "The commission's work is important to our state's economy and to the safety of the participants in the events the commission oversees."

Aguilar is Gibbons' third new appointment to the NAC. Bill Brady and Pat Lundvall were appointed in 2007. In 2008, Gibbons re-appointed T.J. Day and Skip Avansino, both of Reno.