Honors College Alumnus of the Year Paul Moradkhan, '03 BA English, is the vice president of government affairs for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. In this position, he oversees the legislative advocacy and public policy efforts at the local, federal, and state levels of government. He is responsible for driving initiatives to protect and strengthen Southern Nevada’s economy. Prior to joining the chamber in 2010, he was the senior corps project director for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. He began his career in government affairs working for a member of Congress.
Tell us about a time someone showed you unexpected kindness. How do you pay it forward?
I think it’s a collection of moments that have helped shaped who I am. It was always because of someone either taking an interest in my education at UNLV or my career. None of those people had to do that, but they did, and I have always remembered those kind gestures.
Len Zane gave me a great opportunity by admitting me into the Honors College. Dean Martha Watson was the person who encouraged me to look at public policy schools for my graduate studies and it was (former Vice President for Student Life) Rebecca Mills who supported my development as a student leader at UNLV.
These people and the experiences I had with them are the reason I support the UNLV Foundation, work with student leaders, and try to help young professionals starting off in their government affairs careers. It is important to support others and show kindness whenever you can. A simple act of kindness can change a person’s day and then it can change their life.
Growing the Las Vegas economy
The Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most diverse business organization in Nevada, representing thousands of employers and employees. Moradkhan's work helps create jobs and build a strong and competitive workforce for the future.
He previously served as director of government affairs for the chamber, where he was the primary liaison at the local government level and worked closely to develop and implement strategies to advance the policy priorities for Southern Nevada’s business community. Before joining the chamber in 2010, Moradkhan was the senior corps project director for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. He began his career in public policy by working for a member of Congress from Southern Nevada.
After graduating in 2003, Moradkhan received his master’s degree in public policy from Pepperdine University in 2005. He also serves on several boards for various community organizations such as the College of Southern Nevada Institutional Advisory Council, UNLV Alumni Association Board of Directors, Clark County School District School-Community Partnership Program, and JAG Nevada Board of Directors.
