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Meet Your Neighbor: Rick McGough
By Callie Thomas
Resident Rick McGough is at the epicenter of Las Vegas communication. As the Vice President of Contact Center Operations for MGM Resorts International, the native Las Vegan knows a thing or two about people, addressing their needs and, most of all, being a great listener. “A wise man I worked for long ago said that you never learn anything when your mouth is the one moving,” McGough recalled. His ability to listen to the needs of those around him as well as those of the community, coupled with his passion for making the city the best it can be, has led to his volunteering his time, talent and compassion to a long list of charitable organizations.
Before his recent appointment at MGM Resorts, McGough had honed his talents for over fifteen years with Credit One Bank, a local entity which distributes credit cards nationally. Rick was involved in the initial startup of Credit One by helping to form and grow the inbound call center division that would become customer service for the company. During his tenure, he was also the Community Reinvestment Officer for the bank. This position helped put McGough at the center of the needs of the community and initiated his involvement with nonprofit organizations. “Once I was introduced to the nonprofit world, it felt only natural to get involved and give back in some way,” he said. “I have to believe my commitment stems from my mother having instilled in me a compassion for humans, especially in their time of need.”
When McGough decided to get involved, he did it in a big way. Not just a few helpful initiatives here and there but more like over 50 affiliations. From board and committee memberships with HELP of Southern Nevada and the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, to his involvement with the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Nevada Fair Housing, Police and Fire Emerald Society, the Downtown Community Development Corporation, the LVMPD Search and Rescue Team and a dozen or so other organizations, Rick has been an undeniable influence throughout the community. Still, there is one organization that continues to capture a piece of his heart year after year. “Each year I am blessed with the opportunity to participate as a counselor at Camp Firefly, a summer event put on by Candelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation,” Rick said.
The nonprofit group, of which Rick is the Chairman of the Board, provides critical support to families of children with cancer. It helps educate, assist and provide direct support through programs and services dedicated to children and adolescents with cancer, their families and the professionals who care for them.
Each summer the four day Camp Firefly takes place in the mountains with approximately 100 kids ranging from cancer survivors to those still in treatment and their siblings. “While the intent of the camp is to provide a getaway for the kids, I feel that I and my fellow volunteers are the ones who truly benefit from the experience,” says McGough. “The resilience, life and enthusiasm exhibited by these amazing kids are nothing short of inspirational and reaffirming of our belief in the human spirit.”
Rick McGough continues to be inspired by his interactions with the people of our community, and thanks his mother, Betty, for igniting a lifelong desire to “leave it better than you found it,” whether it be the sharing of ideas, financial donations or giving of one’s time. “We as a society are only as strong, enriched and complete as our weakest members. It only serves to reason that each of us would give of ourselves.”
