Las Vegas Grand Prix Chief Operating Officer Leaves F1 Race After Five Months; Former Las Vegas City Manager Betsy Fretwell Returns To Consulting
By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
Former Las Vegas City Manager Betsy Fretwell’s tenure as chief operating officer with the Las Vegas Grand Prix is over after five months.
Fretwell started in January, hired for her business experience and to improve community relations with a host F1 race market that included many locals and businesses that complained bitterly about the disruptions and impacts caused by the 3.8-mile track that took over a big section of the Strip for the November event.
Fretwell was well connected in Las Vegas. She worked for data company Switch here in Las Vegas for more than five years from 2017-2022 after she worked as Las Vegas city manager and deputy city manager from 2002-2017. She also became chair of the Vegas Chamber Board of Trustees only two months ago.
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But Vegas observers wondered how well a former city manager of Las Vegas would do with working out F1 race preparations with Clark County when it’s well known that city and county governments can butt heads at times. The Las Vegas Grand Prix’s track is in Clark County and county commissioners and government staff were responsible for overseeing the permits and paperwork to allow the controversial road race to happen.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix released a statement that quotes Fretwell as saying, “Over the last several months while serving as the COO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, we developed a solid plan for this year’s race, established clear lines of communication with governing agencies and furthered critical community relationships.
“With that work in place, it is time for me to return to my prior management consulting practice with C4ward Strategies. I’m confident that I’m leaving the LVGP in a stronger position and wish them every success.”
Las Vegas Grand Prix CEO Renee Wilm was quoted in a statement: “Betsy has played a critical role for us as we navigate the complexities of a race of this magnitude in Las Vegas. She has been instrumental in helping us set the table for a successful race this year. In our inaugural year, my focus was intently on the establishment and operation of the race.
“I now intend to bring that same energy and attention to the Las Vegas community as a whole, this year and for years to come. We wish Betsy nothing but the best.”
