Leadership

It is an honor to serve on the CSN Foundation Board. As a resident of Las Vegas, it is important to me to give back by helping build a stronger community.

Individuals in Greater Las Vegas come together to make our strongest asset in this local community. Everyone has a set of personal dreams and aspirations of improving the quality of life for themselves and their families. Knowledge helps dreams become reality. CSN is a quality and affordable education that helps our community achieve those desired dreams and aspirations. As a member of the foundation board, I will be supporting the community by focusing on the foundation mission to graduate CSN students debt-free through philanthropy.

CSN serves an invaluable mission in our community. The future of our city depends on economic development, diversification of our economy and providing skills to our population necessary to do the jobs of the future. The Foundation’s efforts are critical to CSN’s mission in providing opportunities for Southern Nevadans to enrich their lives through meaningful careers.

As a part of the greater Las Vegas community, I am honored to serve on the CSN Foundation Board. Besides the role of oversight and ambassador, I see myself as a catalyst for fundraising. CSN has affected many lives in southern NV, particularly the segment of our population that are seeking trade certifications and licensing that meet the needs of our local economy; all the while providing it at reasonable costs and convenience. Go Coyotes!

I serve as a trustee of the John C. Kish Foundation and founder of The Social CirKISH Foundation, which is a program created to promote the physical and social development of at-risk youth through the exploration and participation of circus skills.

I have a BA in History from Brigham Young University followed with a JD (Jurisdoctorate) from The University of Utah College of Law. I have always had a passion for non-profit work and being active in the community. I also serve on the following Boards: UNLV, The Smith Center for The Performing Arts, The Animal Foundation, The College of Southern Nevada, The Public Education Foundation and Advisory Board for The Vegas Golden Knights.

As a proud Mojave High School graduate, I know firsthand the impact that a quality, affordable education can have on underserved youth in the community. Access to resources, opportunity, and mentorship is essential in building a strong workforce that will sustain the thriving Las Vegas small business community for generations to come. The CSN Foundation is, in my opinion, the foremost institution in Las Vegas working to provide this to our community. CSN trains individuals from all backgrounds and stages of life, from high school students to single mothers, and I am proud to serve on the CSN Foundation Board. Financial freedom and education are two of my deepest passions, and I plan to help further the foundation’s mission to help CSN students graduate debt-free and empowered to pursue a career of their choice.

It is an honor to serve on CSN’s Foundation Board. CSN is a community treasure because they make a top-notch education accessible through classes that are relevant, flexible, and affordable. Education is the great equalizer and CSN provides the opportunity for any community member to learn and better themselves. I joined the Board because I want support and amplify the Foundation’s mission to graduate students debt-free through philanthropy.

In addition, as a veteran in the information technology industry, I am extremely proud of the STEM focus and innovation at CSN. The college is preparing students to enter the market in high-growth areas such as cybersecurity, data science, engineering, and more. Creating local talent only bolsters our region’s burgeoning tech sector and creates a positive economic impact.

Our endeavors to support students at CSN is a community effort, with a positive community impact. I am excited to contribute in any way I can.

I received my Associate Degree from the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) in the early 2000’s, affording me the opportunity to complete my higher education at UNLV. As an immigrant to the United States of America in 1997, I learned English at CSN, where the faculty and staff supported me through after-school programs. I also received scholarships that helped me to stay in school. My decision to serve the CSN Foundation Board of Trustees is to give back for all the great things they do for our community and the richness they create by helping others become a better version of themselves through education.

I serve on CSN’s Board because we serve the community we live in and the community we strive to become. CSN listens to the students and meets the students where they need us.

I am the President and CEO of Valley Bank of Nevada and its founding principal, where I chartered the first and only bank in my home town of North Las Vegas.

My decision to serve on the CSN Foundation Board of Trustees some ten years ago was a direct correlation to my own personal experience. I was born and raised in North Las Vegas and attended Rancho High School as one of ten children. I am the first in my family to graduate from college and CSN is where I started my collegiate career and learned to believe in myself and my abilities.

College was never spoken of or encouraged in my home. After beginning a banking career in 1983, I learned that a college degree was going to be required to advance my career. I have since graduated from CSN and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.

I am married to a college educated wife and have raised two valedictorians, who will also be college graduates, one has graduated and one is still attending.

CSN has helped change the course of my entire family’s education and will surely impact the course of my family for generations to come.

I want to give other underprivileged young people in our community the same opportunity and generational life changing experience that I was given and CSN can help provide that.