Thirty-one individuals are part of the graduating class of the Leadership Henderson program under the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Foundation, that made a six-figure charitable donation. The program’s goal is to lead participants in an exploration that examines issues, asks critical questions, and strives to provide answers that do not conform to the status quo.
“I am incredibly proud of the 24th Leadership Class graduates from the Henderson Chamber of Commerce,” said Scott Muelrath, President of HCC. “I am confident that these newfound skills and networks will continue to drive positive change. This journey has not only enriched your own lives but has also strengthened our community.”
The Leadership Henderson program, a dedicated eight-month course, is a unique opportunity for civic-minded professionals. It aims to build and maintain a robust network of effective community leaders. This year’s class had the privilege of touring Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican Hospital, San Martin Campus, gaining insightful glimpses into cutting-edge healthcare practices, and witnessing strides in Nevada’s education system. The group also had the unique experience of joining forces with first responders for Public Safety Day, witnessing a live SWAT active shooter demonstration with insights from our police and fire chiefs. In addition to many more engagements at Henderson City Hall, Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas, M Resort Spa Casino, UNLV, RTC’s Mobility Center and more.
“I did not need to participate in Leadership Henderson to appreciate Southern Nevada, but the experiences and, more importantly, the people I have encountered as a result of this program have rejuvenated my passion for our vibrant community,” said Dr. Chad Warren, class member and President of St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation.
The graduating class of the Leadership Henderson program has left a lasting impact on the Southern Nevada. They selected the Serving Our Kids Foundation for their yearlong charity program and raised an extraordinary $435,000 donation. The class secured over $230,000 in in-kind donations for marketing and communications for Brant, Ltd., and over $45,000 in in-kind donations for Outdoor Solutions and additional billboard partners.
2024 Class:
Troy Palmer – Owner, Allstate Agency
Jayne Calonge – Owner, Anbeyond – Your Wealth Guides
Elia Aboumrad – Chef/Owner, Boom Bang Fine Foods & Cocktails
Troy Ritchie – Chief Storyteller, Boom Intelligence Group
Virginia Martino – Founder/CEO, Brand Ltd
Mike Bruley – CEO, Clearly Driven
Rachel Villafuerte – Branch Marketing Manager, CrossCountry Mortgage
Caroline Laiacona – Chief Compliance Officer, Diazo
Julie Skinner – Senior National Commercial Underwriter, First American Title
Tawana Keels – CFO/Human Resources Director, Henderson Libraries
Ryan Jappe – Seargent, Henderson Police Department
Justin Martin – Energy Specialist, Ion Solar
Jeff Gibson – CEO, JAG Development
Robert Arnal – VP of Commercial Banking, JP Morgan Chase
Jen Horton – Director of Strategic Marketing, KB Home
Joan Blair – Controller, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance
Nathanael “Nate” Coats – Sr. Project Manager, Martin Harris Construction
Kaylani Yocom – Assistant Project Manager, McCarthy Building Companies
Erica Suciu – VP, Private Banking Officer, Nevada State Bank
Brandy Smith – Director of Operations and Strategic Planning, Nevada State University Shannon Gregory – Director, Delivery Operations South, NV Energy
Cay Mateyko – Corporate Philanthropy Specialist, Opportunity Village
Tyler Medina – Business Development Manager, Rafael Construction
Elva Plazola – Talent Acquisition Specialist, RDI Corporation
Chad Warren – President, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Dignity Health – St. Rose Dominican Andrea Blue – General Manager, Tivoli Village
Kristina White – Marketing Manager, TSK Architects
Jeremy Blomgren – Director of Account Management, UnitedHealthcare
Blair Lee – Owner, Venture Out Vegas
Eduardo Olds – Branch Manager, Wells Fargo
Joe Tumminia – Senior Project Manager, Whiting-Turner Construction
Applications for the Leadership Henderson program’s class of 2025 are now open. Professional leaders looking to join fellow visionaries in reshaping Southern Nevada are encouraged to apply at hendersonchamber.com/leadershiphenderson.
