A lifelong Nevada resident, James Rogers is considered by many to be a pioneer in both the banking and communications industries throughout the state. In addition to serving as board chairman of Nevada First Bank, Rogers owns Sunbelt Communications, which operates NBC and Fox affiliate TV stations in nine Western U.S. communities, including KVBC Channel 3 in Las Vegas and KRNV Channel 4 in Reno.

Rogers was named one of the nation's top 12 philanthropists by Time Magazine in 2000 and has donated in excess of 200 million to schools, universities and other nonprofits in recent years. Rogers currently serves as chancellor for the Nevada System of Higher Education.