The Las Vegas City Council ratified the appointments of James R. Nichols as new deputy city manager and Billie M. Bastian as director of the Department of Leisure Services for the city of Las Vegas. City Manager Elizabeth N. Fretwell appointed both, subject to City Council approval. 
 
"Both Jim and Billie will be wonderful additions to our city executive team," Fretwell said.  "They both bring the valuable experience we especially need during these tough economic times."
 
Nichols will be one of two deputy city managers. He will oversee the departments of Planning, Public Works, Building and Safety, Fire & Rescue and Field Operations, beginning July 6. He has been the deputy city manager for the city of Goodyear, Ariz., since September 2005.  In that capacity he oversaw the departments of Engineering, Public Works/Water Resources, Parks and Recreation, Community Services, City Clerk and Fire. Nichols managed a staff of more than 300 employees. Prior to being the deputy city manager at Goodyear, Ariz., Nichols was the Public Works director for the city of Surprise, Ariz. Nichols is a licensed professional engineer in Arizona and Washington and earned his master’s degree in engineering from the University of Connecticut.

Bastian is a native Las Vegan who joined the Department of Leisure Services in 1986.  She has served in many department positions, including recreation leader, coordinator, supervisor, division manager, deputy director and acting director. Bastian completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Management and Youth Leadership at Brigham Young University. She received her master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2003.  Bastian also is certified as a Park and Recreation Professional by the National Recreation and Park Association. She replaces Dr. Barbara J. Jackson, who retired in November 2008.