Gov. Gibbons names two more state department heads

Gov. Jim Gibbons has named two more department heads to his cabinet, including a Las Vegas dentist who wanted to make a midlife career change.

Michael Fischer will take over the Department of Cultural Affairs, which has been run more than two years by the department's administrative services officer, Scott Sisco, as acting director.

Fischer was born and raised in Reno and has been involved in numerous artistic and historical organizations as a volunteer.

"I've been involved in the pursuit of history and art all my adult life, and I relish the opportunity to make them come alive for all Nevadans," he said.

He described the appointment as "a job that will become a labor of love for me."

Gibbons said Fischer is well known and respected for his knowledge of our state and its unique history.

The department includes divisions that manage the state museums, library, archives and historic preservation.

In addition, Mendy Elliott was chosen to replace Sydney Wickliffe as director of the Department of Business and Industry.

Elliott has a 30-year career in the financial services industry, most of it with Wells Fargo Bank where she rose to senior vice president and manager of the Nevada division's community and government relations department.