Brian Edward Sandoval is a distinguished leader with a multifaceted career in law, governance, and higher education. Serving as the 29th Governor of Nevada from 2011 to 2019, he managed an $8 billion budget and spearheaded significant reforms across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and economic development. His administration introduced and supported legislation for improving Nevada’s K-12 education system, expanding workforce development programs, and fostering economic growth through international trade missions. He also created the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology and played a pivotal role in the state’s response to numerous crises, including the Great Recession and the October 1, 2017, Las Vegas shooting.

Gov. Sandoval’s legal career is equally notable. He was appointed as the first Hispanic federal judge in Nevada, serving as a U.S. District Judge from 2005 to 2009. He also served as Nevada’s Attorney General from 2003-2005, where he led the fight against the storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain and sponsored legislation to combat domestic violence, human trafficking, and cybercrimes.

Gov. Sandoval currently serves as the President of the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) – the first Hispanic and alumnus to hold this prestigious position.

Nevada native Richard Perkins served 14 years in the Nevada Legislature, including two years as Democratic Floor Leader, four years as Majority leader, and six years as Speaker of the Assembly. With a record for consensus and coalition-building, he is a bi-partisan leader and counts friends in both major political parties. Following his legislative service, Perkins served for three years as Chief of the Henderson Police Department. He is currently the CEO of The Perkins Company and co-founder and CEO of the Business Council of Canada and Nevada (BCCN).

As the state’s second longest-serving Speaker, Perkins helped guide Nevada’s $8 billion budget that funded more than 425 state agencies. He is credited with establishing the Nevada State College, creating the Nevada Commission on Homeland Security, spearheading K-12 education funding and reforms, establishing Nevada’s Amber Alert System, providing leadership on energy and water issues, and developing subject matter expertise in trade, gaming, labor/management, health care, and public lands. Perkins’ extensive political and law enforcement network reaches all corners of Nevada and across the country. He is also very involved in the National Speakers’ Conference (Past President), the State Legislative Leaders Foundation (past Board Member), the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, and many other political, policy, and law enforcement organizations.

In 2006, he opted to forego re-election to become the Police Chief for Henderson, Nevada’s second largest city. While serving as Chief of Police, Perkins maintained a Top-Secret clearance while sitting on the governance committees of the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

In 2012, Governor Sandoval appointed Richard to the Nevada Commission on Homeland Security, a position he continues to serve in.