Phil Ralston

’84 BS Accounting
Lee Business School Alumnus of the Year

As the longtime president of American Nevada Company, Phil Ralston’s figurative fingerprints can be found all over the Las Vegas Valley. He’s participated in the planning, development, and management of 11,600 acres of residential master-planned community projects and 2.7 million square feet of commercial property from Henderson to North Las Vegas.

Along the way, Ralston has helped negotiate more than $1 billion in financing for these and other projects in his roles with American Nevada, which is owned by the Greenspun, Fine, and Gale families. 

So, yes, you could say Ralston has made the most of his UNLV business degree. But, as impressive as those professional accomplishments have been, one could argue that Ralston’s achievements away from the office have been even more impactful.

Let’s start with his alma mater: For more than two decades, Ralston has served on the Lee Business School’s executive advisory board, including two years as chair. During his ongoing board tenure, Ralston has been integral in elevating the UNLV business school’s profile, including helping to put together a five-year strategic plan that has proven transformative.

Additionally, Ralston has remained staunchly committed to student achievement. For instance, he helped found the Southern Nevada chapter of Financial Executives International, an organization that brings together financial leaders from every major industry. Ralston continues to serve on the local chapter’s board, helping to secure scholarship funding for deserving Lee Business School students, as well as match students with mentors and connect high-achieving graduates with employers.

Ralston’s devotion to enriching the Southern Nevada community stretches beyond UNLV’s campus, as well. He’s served on voluntary boards and committees for the Southern Nevada Water Authority, Las Vegas Valley Water District, Regional Transportation Commission, and Black Mountain Community Bank.

Then there’s perhaps Ralston’s greatest philanthropic passion: Since 2008, he has personally raised more than $400,000 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which supports childhood cancer research. Initially inspired by the daughter of a friend who was stricken with cancer, Ralston joins other St. Baldrick’s volunteers who shave their heads as part of an annual fundraising effort. In addition to Ralston’s personal fundraising, his team — Bald by Design — has collectively brought in more than $1 million for St. Baldrick’s.

Indeed, Ralston has done much to uplift his community both personally and professionally. However, his most lasting impact just might be as a role model — that is, challenging today’s students and young professionals to have a similar far-reaching influence both behind and beyond the desk.

“As students go through college, come into the work world and start families, it’s difficult sometimes to feel like there is time to take on other activities,” says Ralston, who also has served on St. Baldrick’s national board of directors since 2019. “But I am a true believer in the notion that service is a good and a necessary thing.

“I was fortunate to meet leaders who encouraged such activities as part of my career. So, I encourage today’s students to try to find ways to give back to their communities, while working hard on their jobs and families.”

How did you first become interested in business?

While working during my college years, I met a chief financial officer from a local hotel/casino. His influence led me to pursue being a CPA. That led to exposure to clients in many businesses, which led to my introduction to the Greenspun family and the opportunities in their companies.

What led to your decision to attend UNLV, and when did you know that you made the right choice to become a Rebel?

It wasn’t a milestone decision like it is for some kids. I grew up in Las Vegas as part of an economically challenged family, so UNLV was my only real option. I was able to secure a small financial-need scholarship from a local bank, which covered most of my academic expenses for almost my entire four years.

While I didn’t have much of a choice, my decision to attend UNLV, nevertheless, was confirmed around the end of my sophomore year. That’s when I was exposed to an accounting professor, Duane Baldwin. He became a great inspiration as I worked through the accounting program.

What inspires your ongoing relationship with the Lee Business School? 

I have always been motivated by the school’s continued growth and adaptation to the needs of students and faculty. In particular, the accounting program always made me proud, as a regular jumping-off point for students as they were able to get placements with top national and regional firms.

How did your experiences as a Rebel — both in an out of the classroom — help you “make it happen” in your career?

During my time at UNLV, I maintained a strong work ethic, both on campus and at my full-time job. This mentality helped me grow in my early career and provided a strong platform for me as I started to work for a rapidly growing family-owned business.

UNLV students and alumni are encouraged to embrace the “Rebel Spirit” — to be daring and gutsy and to resist convention. Describe a time in your life when your “Rebel Spirit” was on full display.

I remember the first time I shaved my head for St. Baldrick’s to raise money for childhood cancer research. I had never been bald in my adult life — so I’d say that was pretty gutsy. But, it was a fantastic experience!

Since then, our team has raised more than $1 million, all from men and women shaving heads and cutting ponytails to support a wonderful cause.