Carson City Culture & Tourism Authority seeks new director

The board of the Carson City Culture & Tourism Authority is expected to choose a consultant to help run the agency and forge a plan for recruiting its next leader during its meeting on Dec. 19.

Joel Dunn, the CCCTA’s executive director since 2013, retired on Oct. 12 because of health issues.

“After serving over 31 years it’s time to slow down,” said Dunn. “I’ve always dedicated 60 to 70 hours a week to whatever I’ve done for the city and it’s time to slow down.”

Dunn has formed a consulting business, NV Consulting LLC, and at its October meeting the CCCTA board awarded a consulting contract to the firm to help in the transition and work with interim director, Chris Kipp.

The board thought the “professional services” contract was exempt from the bidding process under Nevada law, but the board was told by the Carson City District Attorney’s office the contract had to go through a request for proposal because it was more than $50,000 annually, said Jonathan Boulware, vice president of Nevada operations at Jacobs Entertainment Inc., and chair of the CCCTA board.

The contract was voided at the board’s Nov. 14 meeting and an RFP was issued on Nov. 27. NV Consulting did respond to the RFP and had an interview, said Dunn.

Boulware said the board will determine the length of the contract during the meeting.

The contract’s scope of work, according to the RFP, includes “develop and present to the CTA Board the strategic plan to promote Carson City, Nevada as a destination for visitors, conventions, business travelers, tournaments and events resulting in enhanced economic activity” as well as “recommend a strategic plan for the succession of the CTA Executive Director position.”

CCCTA’s board meeting is at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Sierra Room, Carson City Community Center.