Commissioners
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Mark E. Amodei
Mark E. Amodei (R-NV) has served as the U.S. Representative for Nevada’s Second Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, where he serves on the Federal Lands and Oversight and Investigations subcommittees. Additionally, he sits on the House Appropriations Committee, and serves on the Financial Services, Legislative Branch, and Interior subcommittees. Since 2024, he has served as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee.
Mark was born in Carson City, Nevada on June 12, 1958. He graduated from Carson High School in 1976, where he was Student Class President. Mark graduated from the University of Nevada in 1980, and received his law degree from McGeorge Law School, University of the Pacific in 1983.
Mark served with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, from 1983 to 1987 and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.
Mark served in the Nevada Assembly from 1996 to 1998 and in the Nevada State Senate, representing the Capital District, from 1998 to 2010. He served as Chairman of the Nevada Republican Party until May 2011. From 2007 to 2008, Mark was the President of the Nevada Mining Association. He was an attorney with law firms Allison MacKenzie in Carson City from 1987 to 2004 and Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw and Ferrario (now Kaempfer Crowell) in Reno from 2004 to 2007.
In Congress, Mark also serves on the Congressional Western Caucus, Army Caucus, Congressional Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, USO Caucus, Veterans Job Caucus, Italian American Caucus, Conservative Climate Caucus, Travel and Tourism Caucus, Public Broadcasting Caucus, Postal Preservation Caucus, and ALS Caucus.
Mark is close to his family and has two adult daughters, Erin and Ryanne. He enjoys working on his old trucks, do-it-yourself projects, and exploring Nevada history.
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Doug Cannon
Doug Cannon, 49, serves as president and CEO of NV Energy where he leads the company’s daily operations and oversees NV Energy’s commitment to deliver low-cost energy, expand its renewable energy portfolio and maintain industry-leading reliability for its customers.
NV Energy delivers electricity to nearly 1.4 million customers and over 56 million tourists annually throughout its nearly 46,000-mile service territory in the state of Nevada. The company also provides natural gas to 184,000 customers in the Reno-Sparks, Nevada, area.
Cannon joined the Berkshire Hathaway Energy family of business in 2011 working as an attorney for PacifiCorp Energy in Salt Lake City, Utah. At the end of 2013 with the closing of the NV Energy merger, Cannon joined the NV Energy team as senior vice president general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer and has served in various management roles with NV Energy.
Cannon earned a juris doctor from the University of Colorado School of Law and a master’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Colorado. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental geoscience from Weber State University.
Cannon serves on the board of trustees for the Desert Research Institute and is Chair of the NV Energy Charitable Foundation.
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Gerald Dixon
Gerald Dixon is currently the manager of Nevada Gold Mine’s (NGM) Native American Affairs program. Gerald has deep roots in Nevada, having been raised between Battle Mountain and Elko. Prior to Nevada Gold Mines, Gerald worked in various positions for federal land management agencies for 27 years - Bureau of Land Management (BLM) & U.S. Forest Service. His last federal position held was the Elko BLM District Manager. Most of his work for the federal agencies was related to Natural and Cultural Resources, serving communities, and striking a balance between conservation and development.
Throughout Gerald’s professional career, he has worked primarily within Natural Resources dependent communities and industries, such as mining, logging/timber, livestock grazing, tribal/cultural, etc. With that experience, Gerald has learned the importance of providing opportunities and service to local communities, collaboration, and developing strong partnerships.
For NGM, Gerald has been tasked with maintaining and growing long standing partnerships and programs with ten tribes and bands in Northern Nevada.
“Nevada Gold Mines has a strong focus on sustainability when it comes to developing partnerships and investments. We want our investments to go toward that which can grow. As partners, host communities, and neighbors, everyone brings value to the table and has something to contribute. Our goal is to leverage those resources for long-term successful outcomes.”
“I am extremely honored to be part of Nevada’s America 250 Commission and journey to the 2026 celebration. I look forward to serving the team as well as all Nevadans.”
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Peter Guzman
Currently is the President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. The LCC is the most powerful Hispanic Chamber in Nevada with over 45 years of community work and business representation. The LCC has provided services for the community for over 40 years and continues to grow. “The Latin Chamber of Commerce is a beacon of light for the business community and a shining star of hope for those in need of assistance in our great community”.
He is an accomplished Realtor, Small Business Owner and Real Estate Investor. Mr. Guzman came to Nevada 50 years ago at the age of 2. Mr. Guzman has worked very hard in helping people achieve the dream of home ownership. Mr. Guzman started his career with Lynn Wardley and that continues to this very day. His work has been recognized nationally by all of the major Real Estate Organizations and he has been recognized as the Top Producer for the entire company in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, with over $700 million in sales.
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Amanda Hilton
Amanda Hilton is a fourth-generation Nevadan and President of the Nevada Mining Association. Prior to this role, she was the General Manager of KGHM's U.S. Operations, including the historic Robinson copper mine near Ely, Nevada. Hilton's nearly two-decade career in the mining industry has given her a profound understanding of the industry's past and present contributions to Nevada and the nation. As a past-Chair of the Nevada Mining Association Board of Directors and a previous board member of the National Mining Association, she brings extensive leadership experience. Hilton's deep connection to Nevada, her multi-generational perspective, and her commitment to an industry that has shaped the American story make her a powerful voice for the enduring values of hard work, innovation, and community. She is passionate about the vital role mining has played in building the nation and is always excited to discuss the important work Nevada's mining community is performing every day. Her experience will be instrumental in celebrating the contributions of various industries and communities to the ongoing American narrative.
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Kelly McNeil
Kelly McNeil brings over 15 years of experience as a dynamic professional consultant in healthcare, nonprofit, and association management. Her expertise spans event planning, project management, organizational development, board governance, and fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
In her current role as Executive Director of the Nevada League of Cities, Kelly has demonstrated exceptional leadership in representing municipalities at the state and federal levels. She combines her vast experience with a fresh perspective, prioritizing collaboration and innovation to address the pressing challenges faced by Nevada’s municipalities.
An advocate for fiscal responsibility, Kelly is skilled in managing budgets to ensure resources align with organizational goals and strategic plans. She is dedicated to driving impactful results, strengthening operations, and cultivating a mission-driven culture that supports sustainable growth and long-term success.
With a focus on collaboration, accountability, and integrity, Kelly’s leadership style fosters trust and engagement among diverse stakeholders. Her passion for empowering communities and her ability to build meaningful connections have earned her a reputation as a catalyst for positive change in government relations and public policy.
Kelly is enthusiastic about leveraging her experience and expertise to champion initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all Nevada residents, ensuring that municipalities thrive and remain resilient in the face of evolving challenges.
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Mary Beth Sewald
As the chief executive of the largest and broadest-based business association in Nevada, Mary Beth Sewald sets the vision for the Vegas Chamber and leads its strategy of supporting local businesses and pursuing initiatives to boost job growth, a healthy economy, and a vibrant community.
Sewald represents the business community in a wide range of capacities. She serves on the board of directors for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
She also serves on the boards of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Western Association of Chamber Executives, the Nevada Military Support Alliance, the UNLV Lee Business School Dean’s Advisory Board, Workforce Connections, the Leadership Foundation of Greater Las Vegas, the Hope for Prisoners Advisory Board, the University of Nevada Reno College of Business Sports Management Executive Board and the National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV.
She was recently appointed by Governor Joe Lombardo to serve on the America 250 Commission, representing the state of Nevada in the commemoration of our nation's semiquincentennial. As one of only seven Nevadans selected from various industries, she is dedicated to shaping meaningful celebrations and ensuring Nevada's contributions to the nation's history are recognized during this momentous occasion.
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Ann Silver
Since late 2015, Ann Silver has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, the largest business organization in northern Nevada. Ann is a graduate of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where she majored in Psychology and Notre Dame Law School in South Bend, Indiana, where she graduated with a doctorate in Labor Relations.
Ann was born and raised in New York City and following law school, traveled west to work for Nevada Indian Legal Services followed by the State of Nevada in multiple capacities. She returned to NYC where she was named General Manager of Radio City Music Hall, after which she was named Sr. Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations for COMPASS, the world’s largest food service and restaurant company. Ann returned to Nevada in 2005, where she served as Human Resources Director for the Reno/Sparks Indian Colony and the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada prior to becoming the first female CEO of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce in its one hundred-year history.
Ann serves on the EDAWN Board of Directors, as Chair of the Washoe County Library Board, a Board member of the Silver State Chambers of Commerce, and the Northern Nevada Literacy Council.
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Virginia Valentine
Ms. Valentine is the President/CEO of the Nevada Resort Association. The NRA advocates for the resort/gaming industry on legislation, regulations, and policies.
She formerly served as the Clark County CEO/Manager, the Las Vegas City Manager, and the first chief engineer/general manager of the Clark County Regional Flood Control District. She was previously employed by several top ENR engineering firms.
Ms. Valentine serves on several boards, including as a Director on the Nevada Transportation Board, chair of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Fiscal Affairs Committee, and is an employer trustee on the UniteHere Western Pension Fund. She formerly served on the Clark County Planning Commission, the Air Pollution Control Hearing Board, and National Board of Direction for the American Society of Civil Engineers.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Public Administration. She is a registered professional engineer in Nevada and has been recognized by her alma mater in the Academy of Distinguished Engineers.
Staff
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Brenda Scolari
Brenda Scolari is the Director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and a cabinet member for the Lombardo administration. She supervises the department administrative staff, the Division of Tourism, the Division of Museums and History, and the Nevada Arts Council. Prior, she served as Deputy Director, leading the Marketing, Public Relations and the Industry Development teams. She was also the Chief Marketing Officer, overseeing Travel Nevada’s award-winning creative and media strategy. A native Nevadan, her thirty-year career as a marketing professional has included a broad spectrum of creative and digital development in both the public and private sectors. She is a former board member of the U.S. Travel Association, the Western States Tourism Policy Council, the Reno Tahoe Regional Air Services Corporation, the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Board, and the UNR Center for Economic Development Advisory Board. Ms. Scolari has been asked by Governor Lombardo to oversee this project with her staff working with other state agencies, community organizations, and key stakeholders.
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Francine Burge
Francine Burge is the Marketing & Communications Manager for the Department of Tourism & Cultural Affairs. She has over thirty years of experience in marketing, media, programming, and special events. Her successful career has focused on working with organizations whose mission is to improve her community: City of Sparks, Reno Philharmonic and United Way of Northern Nevada. Her volunteer work includes the American Cancer Society, Sierra Arts Foundation, EDAWN Foundation, Truckee Meadows Tomorrow, and Tahoe Pyramid Trail.