Bob Potts, Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), has announced his retirement. Potts, an economist, joined GOED when it was created by former Governor Brian Sandoval in 2011. Initially serving as the agency’s first research director, he ascended to the deputy director position in 2019.
For more than a decade, Potts played a pivotal role in transforming Nevada’s economy and establishing GOED as one of the state’s most prestigious and effective agencies. During his tenure, he contributed to attracting or expanding over 780 companies, creating 82,000 jobs, and securing nearly $24.5 billion in investment for Nevada. His efforts included involvement in the original Tesla Gigafactory project and recent developments such as Tesla’s semitruck and battery manufacturing operations and Redwood recycling facilities in Northern Nevada.
“I loved coming to work every day at GOED and every day was different,” Potts stated. “I’m so proud to have been part of a team that has made a difference in our state. We helped put the state on a glide path to attracting new industries, creating new career paths, and perhaps most importantly helping to ensure our state weathers the next economic downturn.”
Potts significantly contributed to diversifying Nevada’s economy beyond its historic industries. He regularly convened meetings with economic leaders, universities, development authorities, political figures, community leaders, and industry representatives. As an advisor to multiple governors, he provided crucial economic snapshots and data points that informed decision-making processes.
“Bob has been an invaluable asset to Nevada’s economic development efforts. His commitment and visionary leadership have been instrumental in advancing GOED’s mission across Nevada,” said Tom Burns, executive director of GOED. “Throughout the years, his strategic vision and tireless efforts helped land billion-dollar investments and created opportunities for countless Nevadans. He will be truly missed here at GOED, but we celebrate his remarkable contributions and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development was established during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature through a collaborative effort between the legislature and the governor’s office. GOED aims to promote a robust, diversified economy in Nevada by stimulating business expansion and retention, encouraging entrepreneurial enterprises, attracting new businesses, and facilitating community development.
