Emma Medas

Senior Vice President of Philanthropy

As the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, Emma Medas develops and oversees targeted strategies to secure a broad range of support for The Smith Center as a nonprofit organization. This includes building strong community partnerships and raising funds through numerous efforts such as planned giving, direct donations and more. 

Emma nurtures positive and long-term relationships with donors of every level and organizes a variety of donor related events.

With a bachelor’s degree in European Business Studies and European Business Administration from the University of Lincoln in England, Emma launched her career with PwC (PriceWaterhouseCoopers) in Munich, Germany, and then with Oppenhoff, an independent law firm in Cologne, Germany, before moving to the U.S. After arriving in Las Vegas in 2007, she began her fundraising career as the marketing and membership coordinator for the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum.

Following this, Emma played a key role from the inception of The Smith Center from the ground up. Emma served as assistant to the center’s president and CEO throughout the planning, design, construction and opening.

In the ensuing decade, her hard work and dedication saw her advance through a variety of positions within The Smith Center. Excelling in donor relations and fundraising, she played an instrumental role in securing philanthropic support.

This support has helped to ensure the center’s ability to present world-class performances, generate all-new works and provide education and outreach initiatives impacting tens of thousands of Southern Nevada students each year.

Emma has bolstered her fluency in charitable giving by earning certificates in Fundraising Management and Fundraising Leadership from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Her commitment to Southern Nevada extends beyond the workplace. She volunteers extensively with community organizations, including having served as president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Las Vegas and also formerly on the Board of Directors for the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra.