FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carli Smith
Director of Communications
c.smith@goed.nv.gov 775.687.9903
October 2, 2025
CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is pleased to announce the appointments of Philippe Ziade and George Alwan to serve as Special Envoys for the State of Nevada. In these honorary and non-compensated roles, they will help advance Nevada’s global economic and diplomatic efforts by attracting foreign investment, strengthening trade partnerships, and supporting Nevada companies in expanding into global markets pursuant to NRS 231.8131 and .8133.
First-generation Lebanese American, Philippe Ziade brings decades of entrepreneurial leadership across real estate, construction, hospitality, and technology to his new role as Special Envoy to Europe and Africa. As a dual-degree graduate of UNLV in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, he has long been contributing to Nevada’s innovation and economic growth. Mr. Ziade is the Founder and CEO of Growth Holdings, a global development company that consists of 64 interlocking subsidiaries with a corporate presence in more than nine countries on three continents and currently serves as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lebanon. He is also a member of the Nevada Consular Corps, where he has built deep diplomatic and business ties across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Joining him as Special Envoy to the Middle East is George Alwan who brings a distinguished background in international relations, law enforcement, and national security. Mr. Alwan has led numerous Las Vegas Police Department delegations from the Middle East to Las Vegas to observe safety and security operations for Formula 1, Las Vegas Grand Prix and the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, all of which led to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) being signed between the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the State of Qatar. He also spearheaded the coordination effort in bringing all U.S. law enforcement agencies that will be providing security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA to exchange critical information. With his strong understanding of the region’s economic and cultural foundations, he will help position Nevada as a trusted partner, focusing on bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and investment attraction.
“These appointments are key to advancing Nevada’s international economic priorities,” said Tom Burns, Executive Director of GOED. “Mr. Ziade and Mr. Alwan offer deep expertise, established relationships, and a shared commitment to supporting Nevada’s global outreach and long-term economic growth.”
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About the Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development