About the ACE Chamber
Collaborative ACEs
The Arts, Creative, and Entertainment Industry Chamber, or "ACE Chamber", is a 501c6 nonprofit organization registered with the state of Nevada and formed to promote common business interests. The first-of-its-kind statewide Creative sector chamber was established by Rachel Gomez, CEO of the artist platform Artcee, in partnership with creative business owners and community leaders engaged in a wide array of creative disciplines and related fields such as Media, Film, Fine Arts, Event Production, Performance, and Design.
"It can sometimes feel like we're all working in separate silos which can make it harder to see how everything fits. Though we believe in the value of focused efforts within each segment, we also know we can accomplish even more when we come together. Talent alone is not enough. We need resources, access to opportunities, more collaboration, and industry leaders to come together to grow this ecosystem."
- Rachel Gomez, ACE Chamber President
Though based in Las Vegas, the ACE Chamber’s mission is to unite companies large and small across Nevada within the creative ecosystem to collaborate in support of common business interests including community building, promotion, workforce development, advocacy, philanthropy, and organizational advancement.
The ACE Chamber is committed to nurturing an inclusive community that celebrates, values, and advances diversity. The more diverse the voices and perspectives in and around our work, the more empowering it becomes as a tool to leverage individual strengths, unite communities, and advance our mission to serve the common business interests of our Creative industries.
ACE Board Officers
Rachel Gomez
President
Rachel has a diverse background as a musician, stage and musical director, published author, corporate talent acquisition, executive search, business advisor, HR consultant, systems engineer, and in the nonprofit world.
Her experience in non-profit keeps her committed to servant leadership, with the simple idea that we find purpose and fulfillment while making a difference when we serve the greater good. She has worked at director-levels with American Heart Association and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PTO President for Coral Academy STEM Charter Schools (5 campuses), and was 2019 Walk Chair for Autism Speaks, Las Vegas. She has also been active with local business chambers - Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce, AAPI Chamber, and Pacific Rim Chamber (NV Representative).
Rachel works as a Business Development Advisor with the Nevada Small Business Development Center and UNLV's Office of Economic Development. She is also the Founder and President of Entertainment Connects LLC dba ArtCee, an all-in-one platform designed for artsy people to manage their brand, showcase their portfolio, find opportunities, and fund their creative projects.
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Danette Tull
Co-Vice President
Danette Tull is the Deputy Director of the Nevada Film Office (NFO), a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). A dedicated advocate for Nevada's creative industries, Danette uses her expertise to promote the state’s diverse locations as ideal settings for feature films, television, documentaries, and a variety of other media projects. Her commitment to supporting productions of all sizes—from independent films to large studio features—has made her a trusted resource for filmmakers seeking Nevada as their production destination.
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Sarah O'Connell
Co-Vice President
Sarah O'Connell has led The Asylum Theatre as its nonprofit Artistic Director since 2003 after relocating to Las Vegas from the San Francisco Bay Area to establish AxisLights Inc., an entertainment lighting company. An award-winning international theatre artist, she has realized dozens of world premiere productions and holds a Master of Drama in Directing from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In addition to producing theatre, Sarah is an adjunct professor and creative economy consultant for UNLV's College of Fine Arts, and the former Executive Director of Henderson Symphony Orchestra. Honored with a 2024 Vegas Icon Visionary Award (VIVA), she founded EatMoreArtVegas.com in 2015, a platform dedicated to the development of Southern Nevada's arts community and creative industry.
Terry Perry
Secretary
Terry is a seasoned Business Consultant with a diverse perspective on business integration and people Operations. She delivers thoughtful questions and insight to help drive informed decisions, leveraging data and analytics. Having experiences in multi-billion dollar companies across the globe has cultivated her business acumen. In addition, she has worked within legal, management services, pharmaceuticals, utilities, start-ups, government, hi-tech, corporate retail, and CPG, as well as high-tech and higher education. As a member of corporate Operations teams, she has worked on strategy planning, systems implementations, transformations, and global M&A and divestiture projects.
She currently serves on the Board of Advisor for Opera Las Vegas. Terry is a passionate theater-goer and lover of live music. She has spent time backing SE Asia and living in Parma, Italy. She can be immersed in community projects or stargazing when not working, always radiating positivity and laughter.
Sylvia Johnson
Treasurer
Sylvia Johnson, owner of In the Black Consulting LLC, is a seasoned tax and business consultant based in Las Vegas, Nevada. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in innovative tax-saving strategies and business structuring solutions to optimize profitability and position businesses for long-term success. Sylvia works closely with her clients to implement tax-efficient business structures, retirement planning, and expense-reduction strategies, helping them retain more earnings while streamlining operations.
Sylvia’s expertise spans diverse industries, including real estate, law, healthcare, construction, and creative fields like arts and film. Her passion for the arts drives her commitment to helping artists and creatives recognize their role as business owners. She understands their unique financial challenges—like managing inconsistent income streams or identifying deductible expenses—and helps them establish sustainable systems that balance their creative pursuits with sound business practices.
Through programs like the Certified Value Builder, Sylvia helps business owners increase their company's value and prepare for strategic exits when the time is right. She combines her technical knowledge with a deep appreciation for her clients' goals, empowering them to take control of their financial futures. Sylvia’s dedication to client education ensures they achieve their tax and financial goals and gain the confidence to make informed, strategic decisions.
ACE Advisory Board Members
ACE Board Officers and Advisors offer a diverse range of perspectives from business consulting, marketing, and content creation to entertainment technology, fine art, design, and performing arts.
NV Thespian State Director
Artistic Director, Theatre West Virginia
Actress
Arts Advocate
Sharon Chadwick is a professional member of the Educational Theatre Association and is currently the Nevada Thespian State Co-Director. She is also a member of EdTA’s Advocacy Leadership Network and serves on several national committees to further excellence in educational theatre.
VFX Producer
Jacob Eaton has worked in VFX since 2010, acting as a bridge between filmmakers and studios for films like A STAR IS BORN, ANNABELLE COMES HOME, HELLRAISER, and FLY ME TO THE MOON. Having studied visual effects since his Bar Mitzvah, Jacob has a true love of VFX and continually applies his passion to the department.
Photographer
Hello Las Vegas! I'm a violinist. I'm also a photographer! Here, you'll find links to both sides of my creative life. I've been playing the violin and taking pictures for as long as I can remember. From playing with Adele to performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony, (and taking headshots of everyone I can in between), I love getting to share what I do with others.
Educator
Advocate
Gerald Reid, a multifaceted individual, has seamlessly woven his passion for music into a rich tapestry of experience that spans culinary arts, music education, and the orchestral realm. Born out of a belief in the therapeutic power of music, Gerald’s journey has been marked by decades of dedicated service and a commitment to nurturing both minds and souls.
Having dedicated an impressive 32 years to the Clark County School District, Gerald chose to continue his private teaching in Las Vegas. His commitment to music education extends beyond borders, as evidenced by his active role as a member and manager of the Rome Festival Orchestra in Rome, Italy, since 2001.
In his ongoing pursuit of musical excellence, Gerald is presently contributing to the development of the nonprofit Nevada Chamber Orchestra in Las Vegas, further solidifying his dedication to fostering musical appreciation within his community.
Gerald’s academic achievements mirror his diverse professional journey. He holds a Master’s in Education with an emphasis on leadership from Nova University, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Chapman University in Orange, California. His academic journey also includes an Associate of Arts from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, and completion of studies for a Master of Music in Education from UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Live Stream Las Vegas, Owner
ArtCee, Head of Sports Entertainment
Musician - Trumpet
Telecommunications Consultant
I was a marching member of the San Francisco Renegades, 2002 and 2003. Finished 10th in World Championships in '02 and a 6th place finish in '03.
I'm a seasoned telecommunications consultant with a strong background in planning, designing, procurement, and installation of comprehensive network solutions for phone services. My expertise lies in overseeing large-scale, intricate industrial projects, particularly in the deployment of Cisco Call Manager, Unity Connection, and Emergency Responder systems across diverse locations nationwide.
I am also the proud owner of PodWorx Studios, specializing in internet broadcasting, podcasts, TV channel development, and live streaming video production. We also offer studio rentals and consult on studio builds.
Video Editor
Artist
The Vegas Creative Network is all about connecting local creatives with the tools and opportunities they need to shine. From exciting events to behind-the-scenes interviews with the coolest artists in Vegas, we’re your go-to hub for all things creative in the city!
Gaia Speaks, a native of Las Vegas, is dedicated to using her skills in journalism, video editing, and art to empower others in her community. As the host and founder of The Vegas Creative Network, her mission is to strengthen and expand the creative community, one individual at a time.
Production Manager - Commercials, Film, TV
Kim Spurgeon is the Director of the Nevada Film Office, a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, where she promotes the growth of the film industry in the state and advises senior leadership on industry-related policy. She also manages the state’s film tax incentive program and monitors the trends of these programs both domestically and internationally. In 2023, Kim was presented with the “Get $#it Done” award by Governor Lombardo for her exceptional work in state service.
Prior to her role, Kim worked as a production manager on commercials, feature films and television shows, including “Behind the Candelabra,” “Now You See Me,” and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.” During this time, she advanced her industry knowledge and built invaluable relationships with the crew members and vendors she now serves in her role at the Nevada Film Office. She earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a concentration in film from Elon University.
White House Circus Arts Industry Roundtable Panelist
Two ~Time World Acrobatic Champion
USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Member
Shenea Booth or Shenea Stiletto is a former Two-Time World Champion AcrobaticGymnast, USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Member, 2 Time Olympic Tour participant, Survivor of USA Gymnastics, SAG/AFTRA Stunt Woman, and a World Class Circus Handbalancer inducted into the World Acrobatic Hall of Fame, who has performed with elite entertainment companies worldwide including Cirque Du Soleil.
Most recently, Shenea toured with Cirque Du Soleil’s newest production SongBlazers. Shenea Stiletto is also a circus trainer, educator, and circus advocate as founder of the Circus Arts Guild of America.
Additionally, Shenea is a Contributor & Lead Analyst for StageLync.com, and is the host/creator of the Circuspreneur Podcast. With the creation of the Circus Arts Guild of America (unionizing effort), Shenea hopes to increase the legislative footprint of the Circus Arts industry in Washington D.C. As an advocate for the Circus Arts industry and Survivor of USA Gymnastics, Shenea received a special invitation to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Shenea was recently honored to be the Co-Strategist for the White House Office of Public Engagement Circus Arts Industry Roundtable in conversation with the Department of Labor, The National Endowment for the Arts, OSHA, and the U.S Center for SafeSport. Enhanced SafeSport Policy for the Circus Arts in the form of SafeCircus or SafeArt, is one of the many legislative goals of Shenea’s advocacy efforts under the umbrella of the Circus Arts Guild of America.
Youth Mentor
Soul Center, Founder
Vice-Chair (Former) for the Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs
Blucat Group, Co-Founder
Angelica Villarta is a seasoned professional with over 30 years in entertainment, brand development, and strategic relationship management. Starting her career in entertainment, she performed as a singer across multiple states and countries, while also working as a voice-over artist, talent manager, and freelance casting director for national TV shows and internationally recognized recording artists. Over time, her growing network and expertise led her to transition into relationship management, where she has worked with financial institutions, marketing firms, and nonprofit organizations, advising on strategic partnerships and community engagement.
Angelica co-founded Blucat Group, a brand development firm specializing in experiential design to create immersive, impactful brand experiences. Through Blucat Group, she combined creative direction, strategy, and relationship management to help businesses enhance their market presence and build lasting connections with their audiences. Angelica’s broad expertise spans civic engagement, event management, and legislative affairs, enabling her to craft high-impact strategies that strengthen both public and private sector ecosystems. She is also passionate about mentoring others in public speaking, advocacy, and outreach, making a significant impact through her work in community service and public affairs.
Community Leader
President (former) of Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce
Sonny is currently part of Governor Joe Lombardo's team as the Southern Nevada Outreach Coordinator. He currently meets with city, county, and town leaders as well as advocacy groups and industry organizations.
He was previously the Director of Small Business Advocacy where he created and executed the business plans for the office's directives, mainly to help small businesses navigate through the State of Nevada.