2025 JAG NTS

I am the founding Executive Director of Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates (J4NG), established in 2014. Under my leadership, J4NG grew from six programs, 200 students in 2014, to 63 programs, over 3,200 students and a budget exceeding five million dollars a year in 2023. I have dedicated his career to helping students of promise graduate from high school and pursue life changing career pathways ranging from traditional college/university study, apprenticeships, internships, and skilled trades training.
In 2020, I was elected as a Member of the Nevada State Board of Education representing Congressional District 4 and is a dedicated advocate for educational and employment opportunity for all Nevada students. Previously, I worked in higher education as Vice President of Multicultural Affairs for Nevada State College. I served on the board of directors of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, and in 2008, served as Vice Chair. I received my BFA, MFA and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.
Growing up as a so-called at-risk student, I tracked into a non-college path, I believe that students and their parents should determine how far they can go in life, and that education is the key to prosperity and a brighter future. I have lived in Summerlin (Las Vegas), Nevada with my wife, two children, and two dogs since 2001.