Executives

Wayne F. Jefferies, Chief Executive Officer

Wayne F. Jefferies brings a diverse background as an entertainment expert, producer, and media executive with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. A Las Vegas resident for the past 40 years, Jefferies is one of the valley’s pioneers in the development of bars, restaurants, and small to medium-sized businesses. Over the last 14 years, Jefferies shares business development experience as owner, operator, and developer in the medical services space. He built Sierra Medical Services into one of Nevada’s largest medical lien providers. In addition to Sierra, Jefferies has partnered with over 100 service and brick-and-mortar providers and attorneys in the medical services industry.

Jefferies has a number of very notable successes, which include not only producing over 1,000 major concerts nationwide but is most recognized for the creation, management, and sale of the highest-rated television series on The History Channel (A&E Network), Pawn Stars. He’s also raised more than $200M for the development of various business enterprises. His current and past partners include the multi-billion-dollar Cordish Company; Lady Luck Gaming Company; Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood Florida; and Charlie Palmer Steak D.C (to name a few). Jefferies previously advanced money to plaintiffs in personal injury cases through his company, Sierra Settlement Funding.

Louis J. Tavano, President

President Louis J. Tavano has been a licensed attorney in the state of Nevada since 1985. From 1985 until 1993, and again from 1997 to 2001, he was in the private practice of law, representing clients in commercial and business-related matters. From 1993 until 1997, he served as General Counsel of Bally Gaming, Inc., until that company was purchased by Williams Gaming, a public company. From 2001 until 2005, he was President, Counsel, and owner of International Racing Group, an off-track pari-mutuel wagering facility that processed wagers into the track pools of all major racing facilities throughout the United States. In 2005, that company was purchased by publicly-traded YouBet.com for in excess of $11M, with Mr. Tavano staying on as a consultant for several years thereafter.

Richard Tavano, Chief Financial Officer

Richard Tavano graduated from UNLV in 1993 as Economics Student of the Year, after having spent most of his college time at UCLA. He moved to New York City immediately thereafter and worked for 2 years at the brokerage firm AR Baron. For the next two years, he worked as an apprentice stock trader under the direction of several prominent traders. Richard traded securities for his own account from 1998 through 2006. In 2004, Mr. Tavano opened and helped manage his co-owned 7200 square foot restaurant, Tequila Ranch, located in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Tequila Ranch was bought out in 2016. Mr. Tavano opened his co-owned 13,000 square foot restaurant, Chayo, on the Las Vegas Strip in 2014. Chayo is still one of the most successful venues in the Las Vegas Valley.

Kasey Tavano-Pappas, President of Operations

Kasey Tavano-Pappas is a seasoned executive with seven years of experience in operations management in the lien industry. As the President of Operations at SMS, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations, including pre-screening cases, medical provider selection, case management, lien filing/tracking, and collection/distribution of funds.

Kasey has a track record of driving operational excellence. She has led numerous initiatives that have resulted in significant improvements in efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction. She is an executive that empowers her team to work with an outward mindset and encourages them to improve upon the process that they utilize. Mrs. Tavano-Pappas is a dynamic and results-driven leader who is committed to driving operational excellence and delivering exceptional results. She is highly respected in her company and is known for her ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive transformational change.