LAS VEGAS – Linda Perez, CEO of The Shade Tree, a 24-hour publicly accessible shelter designed to specifically meet the needs of those escaping domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness, their children and pets (through a partnership with Noah’s Animal House), is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 officers and members serving on the organization’s board of trustees.
Chris Creasey, construction consultant, was elected board chair. Karyn Steenkamp, vice president of design and construction at Caesars Entertainment and immediate past board chair, will serve as first chair and Jenna Adams, co-founder of Good Apple West is second chair. Rounding out the officers are Francine Miller, partner at Layton Layton & Tobler LLP who continues to serve as treasurer and Joyce Smith, senior vice president of commercial banking at MidFirst Bank, who is secretary.
“We are proud to have this exceptional group of leaders to guide The Shade Tree,” said Perez. “Their collective expertise, passion and commitment to our mission will strengthen our ability to provide safety, stability and vital resources to those escaping domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness. Together, we will continue expanding our impact and ensuring every individual and family we serve has the opportunity to heal and thrive.”
Also returning to The Shade Tree board of trustees to continue their terms are:
· Amanda J. Brookhyser, shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
· Macario Gallegos, senior vice president and chief information officer at Seminole Hard Rock Support Services
· Nadine Jones, senior vice president of people and culture at the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
· Jaye A. Straus, estate planning attorney, Jaye A. Straus, LLC
The Shade Tree, located at 1 West Owens Ave., has served Southern Nevada for more than 37 years. The organization offers residential areas with sleeping rooms, a children’s activity center, meals, case management services, programming, housing assistance and more.
ABOUT THE SHADE TREE
The Shade Tree, a 37-year Southern Nevada nonprofit, is a 24-hour accessible emergency shelter and resource center for those escaping domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness, their children and pets. The Shade Tree partners with Noah’s Animal House, located on the organization’s campus, to provide pet services for its clients. The Shade Tree facility offers residential areas with sleeping rooms, a children’s activity center, meals, and other services. Additionally, it offers case management and programs to in-house and off-site clients including workforce readiness, health services, and housing assistance. The Shade Tree crisis hotline phone/text number is 1-855-385-0072. To learn more, follow The Shade Tree on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.theshadetree.org.
