Fred Gibson Sr. and two partners founded Pacific Engineering & Production Co. of Nevada (PEPCON) in 1955 for the purpose of manufacturing specialty chemicals. Today it is known as American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC), the primary producer of an oxidizer for solid fuel rockets, including space shuttles and various missiles, and liquid in space propulsion. The company also produces Halotron, a clean fire-extinguishing agent used at 110 airports. From the space program to politics, the Gibson Family has created a legacy of public service. Following are some highlights:

Fred D. Gibson Jr.

Fred D. Gibson Jr. served as CEO, chairman of the board, and president of AMPAC and its subsidiaries from 1985 to July 1997. He was chairman of the board until March 1998. Gibson currently serves as a director of AMPAC-ISP Corp., AMPAC (Nevada), American Azide Corporation, and AMPAC Farms, Inc. He also served as chairman, president, and CEO of PEPCON from April 1966 until May 1988. In 1985, Gibson received the Distinguished Nevadan award from the Nevada Board of Regents. Other honors include: an honorary doctorate from University of Nevada, Reno in 1999, a NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal in 2002, and DRI President's Medal in 2004. In 2010, Gibson was UNR's Alumnus of the Year.

John R. Gibson

John R. Gibson joined AMPAC in 1992 as vice president, operations, and became CEO in 1997 and chairman of the board in 1998. Gibson is a graduate of Colorado College with a B.A. in economics (cum laude), and UNR with a B.S. in metallurgical engineering. A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, Gibson is president and chairman of Keystone Corporation and serves on the Executive Committee of the Nevada Taxpayers Association. He serves on advisory committees for the School of Science at UNR and the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering at UNLV as well as the Nevada State College Foundation board. In 2010, he received the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal and the Louis T. Benezet Award at Colorado College.

James B. Gibson

James B. Gibson is a former three-term mayor of Henderson and a business and commercial law attorney. He is currently president and CEO of VEGAS.com. Gibson has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Nevada Development Authority, Las Vegas Events, and the Regional Transportation Commission, while mayor. Among his many honors are the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Member Award and the 2002 Humanitarian Award from the National Jewish Medical and Research Center. In 2005, Gibson received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Henderson Community Foundation and the Spirit of Leadership Award from the Lili Claire Foundation. In 2007, Gibson received the Nevada State College President's Medal and the Clark County School District Crystal Apple Award. He received the 2008 O'Callaghan Public Sector Person of the Year from the Henderson Development Association and the City of Henderson, and the Clark County Commercial Managers Group awarded him its Vision 2009 award.