OPPORTUNITYALLIANCENV.ORG - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Broker for World Financial Group
- Officer With the Reno Police Department
Brandon Thompson is a former police officer with the Reno Police Department. Currently, Brandon works as a Broker for World Financial Group. He works with individuals, families and business owners on their financial strategies to help them reach their goals.
Brandon is very big on financial education and empowering clients on their options and getting them in the best situation possible.
He is married. He says, "my wife and we have a morkie name Bentley. Our hobbies include working out, reading books, traveling, board games and spending time with good people."
Job Titles:
- Director of Resident Services for the Reno Housing Authority
- Director of Resident Services, Reno Housing Authority
A Reno native, Cori Fisher, is the Director of Resident Services for the Reno Housing Authority (RHA). Cori oversees all the workforce development opportunities for RHA adults, all the growth opportunities for RHA youth, and all the services and events for RHA seniors and persons with disabilities.
She works directly with low-income residents of the RHA to provide learning opportunities in workforce development, financial literacy, post-secondary education planning, physical and emotional wellbeing, and more.
From her background in youth development to the multiple roles at RHA, Cori gets most excited about helping people reach their full potential. She is passionate about helping others become self-sufficient and is committed to being an enthusiastic voice for all members of our fast-growing community.
Job Titles:
- Public Information Coordinator - Southern Nevada Water Authority / Las Vegas Valley Water District
David Crumbley is a founder and co-owner of CVirtual, a Reno executive recruiting agency.
Prior to relocating to Nevada in 2012, David, a native Marylander, owned and managed a successful staff augmentation firm headquartered near Washington, D.C..
Passionate about giving back, David has been involved with numerous faith-based and community service projects and organizations throughout his adult life. His international work has ranged from a well-water project in Ethiopia to several church-building projects in Mexico.
David is an avid Rotarian, and served as President of the Reno Central Rotary Club in 2016-17. David first became aligned with the national Bridges Out of Poverty Program in 2015. David is a firm believer in offering a ‘hand-up' to those seeking a path to self-sustainability and personal success. Because of this, in early 2019, David and a group of Rotarians and community volunteers stepped in to accept ownership of the Bridges to a Thriving Nevada Program from the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. David is very excited that the Bridges to a Thriving Nevada work has found a home at Opportunity Alliance Nevada!
In his free time, David enjoys cycling and wildlife viewing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Job Titles:
- Owner, Founder and CEO of Turning Point, Inc
Deborah Loesch-Griffin earned her Education Specialist degree in Evaluation (1986) and doctorate degree in Educational Psychology and Child Development from Stanford University in 1987. For the past thirty-two years she has owned and operated a small woman-owned business, Turning Point, Inc. (TPI) that works in partnership with organizations and communities to convene conversations, serve as a social artist for designing and facilitating integrated spaces and events for community groups, and act as a catalyst for change.
Deborah Loesch-Griffin is a Say-It-Straight (SIS) Master Trainer and is also a Fellow of Creating the Future. She is the co-founder of a social justice non-profit, Community Chest, Inc., in Virginia City, Nevada. Throughout her many roles, she emphasizes both the power of one and the potential of the collective.
In 1998, TPI entered a ten-year partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) to co-sponsor the Center for Program Evaluation (CPE) to train and mentor individuals as professional evaluators using a partnership (i.e., empowerment or participatory) orientation. The Center continues to thrive under new leadership and Deborah maintains a partnership with them in her evaluation work.
For the past 30 years, she has served as a trainer, facilitator and evaluator on local, regional, statewide, national and international project. She specializes in rural community development and community youth development initiatives as well as provides leadership training, coaching and mentoring to individuals and organizations in transition to build their capacity to achieve their vision and create social change.
Dian VanderWell's long history of community service in Northern Nevada has spanned industries and issues from affordable housing to financial literacy to responsible development, workforce, youth empowerment and achievement, women's leadership, and more. Dian's service of more than 30 years to these issues reflect her commitment to the smart and sustainable growth of-and quality of life in-our community for current and future generations.
Dian was appointed to the Sparks City Council in September of 2020, where she served until elected to a full four-year term in November of 2022. Previously Dian served on the Washoe County Planning Commission, Washoe County Parcel Map Review Committee, Sparks Planning Commission, Sparks Charter Committee, Regional Planning Commission, the Technical Review Committee of the Washoe County Home Consortium, and the Sparks Citizens Advisory Committee.
Dian has been a licensed mortgage agent for 33 years and a licensed real estate agent for 7 years. Since 2014, Dian has been working with the Northern Nevada Apprenticeship Coordinators Association-NNACA as their Building Trades Recruiter for the union construction apprenticeship programs.
A Washoe County native, Dian graduated from Reed High School, attended TMCC and the University of Nevada. Dian lives in Sparks with her husband Blake of 34 years along with their rescue dogs Taz and Coco.
Job Titles:
- CFP® Is the Co - Owner and Lead Financial Planner at Open Window Financial Solutions, Ltd
Eric A. Hollen, CFP® is the Co-Owner and Lead Financial Planner at Open Window Financial Solutions, Ltd.
Armed with an analytic mind and an empathetic personality, Eric is proud to offer straightforward, valued financial advice within a deceptive industry. After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno (2009), with a B.S. in both finance and economics, he founded a company that created investment reports for individual investors. These reports, labeled as "A Clear Version", summarized and highlighted items that were disclosed to investors, but not fully apparent, including hidden costs, risk exposures, and investment returns.
Ultimately, Eric worked with more than 30 independent wealth advisory firms and produced reports for hundreds of their individual clients. In 2011, Eric joined Open Window and received his Series 65 license to become an Investment Advisor Representative.
He earned the right to use the Certified Financial Planner TM (CFP®) professional designation in 2015, and the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation in 2016. Eric was born and raised in Reno where he lives with his wife, Lindsey, and their two cats. He enjoys hiking and visiting Reno's local haunts. He also volunteers as a Board Member and Treasurer of Opportunity Alliance Nevada, a non-profit advocate for the financial stability of all Nevadans.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Certified Human Behavior Consultant
- Position of Executive Director for Opportunity Alliance Nevada
Kellie George eagerly accepted the position of Executive Director after serving OANV over the past 15 years in several capacities, which include Board Member, Committee Chair of the Financial Stability Youth Committee, and most recently as "Platform Monitor" for the COVID-19 Response Team, aiding Nevadan's financially impacted during the pandemic crisis. Kellie is a business finance and human behavior consultant; and has become a specialist in the "people" business by helping companies retain their talent, bridging the gap between workforce development and companies looking for skilled talent, and connecting people to resources that support financial stability and mental wellness.
Kellie provides training in business finance acumen, leadership, communication, and personal finance. She has her B.S. in Communication and over 35 years of experience in public speaking, business management, and market development. Her passion is to empower people through increased self-awareness and personal understanding. Kellie likes to spend her free time in the great outdoors.
Laurie Martin is thrilled to step into the role of Program Director after working as a "Platform Monitor" on the COVID-19 Response Team. She came to OANV as a lifetime certified Bridges Out of Poverty trainer, which she began in 2011, first as a "Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin'By World" facilitator through the FoodBank of Northern Nevada. Laurie is also a lifetime certified trainer for Bridges to Health and Healthcare and has worked statewide in urban and rural communities. Her background is in Public Education and Health, holding a Master's degree in Public and Health Services Administration and a K - 12 Teaching Credential. Laurie worked most recently as Director of Community Youth Development for the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. She was an elected trustee for Tahoe Forest Hospital District for eight years. At RhythmU, she facilitates embodiment practices for health and well-being, including HeartMath, HealthRhythms Drumming, and Conscious Dance.
Both Kellie George and Laurie Martin are available to talk with you and your organization about how to support, partner, and collaborate with Opportunity Alliance Nevada.
Kellie is a business finance and human behavior consultant; and has become a specialist in the "people" business. She helps companies retain their talent by providing trainings on how decisions pertaining to people, processes, and sales impact the bottom line and net health of the organization. She helps to place good people into great jobs by bridging the gap between workforce development and companies looking for skilled talent. And she has spent the last several years connecting people to resources that support financial stability and mental wellness.
Kellie provides training in business finance acumen, leadership, communication, and personal finance. She has her B.S. in Communication and over 35 years' experience in public speaking, business management, and market development. Her passion is to empower people through increased self-awareness and personal understanding. Kellie likes to spend her free time in the great outdoors.
Kellie R. George is a certified human behavior consultant and speaker.
Kellie R. George is a certified human behavior consultant and speaker; she brings over 35 years' experience in public speaking, business development, marketing, and business management. Specializing in helping companies retain their talent; her mission is to empower people through increased self-awareness and personal understanding. Additionally, Kellie provides business finance acumen training; sharing how decisions pertaining to people, processes, and sales impact the bottom line. Active in multiple community organizations, Kellie provides leadership training and financial education to youth and adults. She is sixth generation to Reno, and recently obtained her Bachelor of Science in Communication from Arizona State University.
Laurie Martin is thrilled to step into the role of Program Director for OANV in 2022. Since March of 2020 she has worked with Opportunity Alliance Nevada as a "Platform Monitor" on the Team for the COVID - 19 Response, helping Nevadans become economically stable through the pandemic and beyond.
Laurie came to OANV as a lifetime certified Bridges Out of Poverty trainer. She began Bridges work in 2011, first as a "Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin' By World" facilitator through the FoodBank of Northern Nevada. During this experience as a co-investigator with under-resourced individuals from many walks of life and through many organizations, she learned first hand about the conditions of poverty in our community, and the desire, barriers and opportunities to get ahead. Laurie is also a lifetime certified trainer for Bridges to Health and Healthcare and has worked statewide in both urban and rural communities.
Laurie is grateful to work with OANV and is passionate about bringing all economic classes to the decision-making "Table" for systemic change.
Laurie's background is in Public Education and Health, holding a Master's degree in Public and Health Services Administration and a K - 12 Teaching Credential. Laurie worked most recently as Director of Community Youth Development for the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District.
Laurie was an elected trustee for Tahoe Forest Hospital District for 8 years.
At RhythmU, Laurie facilitates embodiment practices for health and well-being including HeartMath, HealthRhythms Drumming and Conscious Dance.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of the Nevada Business Opportunity Fund / Nevada Women 's Business Center
- Secretary / Executive Director, Nevada Business Opportunity Fund / Nevada Women 's Business Center
As Executive Director of the Nevada Business Opportunity Fund/Nevada Women's Business Center, Leanna Jenkins is dedicated to the development, empowerment, and success of women and minority entrepreneurs in Nevada. Leanna is responsible for assisting in bringing one of the largest CDFI's in the United States to the state of Nevada to ensure that all Nevadan's have access to small business capital in an honest and transparent manner with non-predatory interest rates. A passionate and engaging public speaker, Leanna regularly presents at local and national events. With her combined passion and successful track-record, Leanna is a respected and sought-out leader in the community where she sits on committees with the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, working with the State of Nevada and the needs of small businesses in the state and is in her 2nd term as an alternate member of the Business Development Advisory Council (BDAC) for Clark County. On invitation in 2014, Leanna attended the hearing of U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs.
Leanna has received numerous awards throughout her career, including awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration, 2016 Women's Business Advocator of the Year, 2017 Rising Star and is a recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award by the National Association of Women Business Owners for 2018 and was recognized by the Urban Chamber of Commerce as a Small Business Advisor in 2019.
Leanna also serves on the Board of Director's for Opportunity Alliance Nevada.
Liliana E. Wilbert, MPH, is Healthy Money Habits Program Coordinator with Northern Nevada HOPES.
Liliana Wilbert is the Healthy Money Habits Program Coordinator at Northern Nevada HOPES. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Ecology (2007) and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology (2015) from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is passionate about public health, and feels fortunate to have worked in the field in different capacities. That experience has allowed her to see public health in diverse areas ranging from communicable disease epidemiology to intimate partner violence (IPV) and child abuse.
In her current role, she addresses the health-wealth connection among the patient population at Northern Nevada HOPES and believes that economic stability is a social determinant of health that can significantly impact health outcomes. She is a certified Getting Ahead Facilitator as well as a trained Financial Coach, both of which she implements in her current work with the community to address the health-wealth connection and support poverty alleviation. Liliana grew up in South Lake Tahoe, CA and has been a long-time resident of Northern Nevada, so it is no surprise she is a big fan of snow and the year-around outdoor activities the area has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Administrator With Washoe County School
- Administrator With Washoe County School District
Lisa-Marie Lightfoot has been an administrator with Washoe County School District (WCSD) for 17 years and supports the State Treasure's Kick-Start program at WCSD. She has B.A. in Communications and Business and M.A. in Business with a Certificate in Volunteer Administration. And currently serves as a Board member the Nevada Women's History Project, Opportunity Alliance Youth Committee and a member of the Foster-Grandparents Advisory Board.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director and Community Development Banker for Charles Schwab Bank
- Managing Director for Community Development at Charles Schwab Bank
Nancy Brown is Managing Director and community development banker for Charles Schwab Bank. Ms Brown has over 40 years of banking experience and has been with Charles Schwab Bank for the past 16 years. Nancy is responsible for grants, services and outreach activities for Charles Schwab Bank. She establishes and maintains relationships with banking partners, community based, charitable and non-profit organizations.
She started her career at Schwab in 2002 when the Bank opened its headquarters in Reno, Nevada. Ms Brown earned an AA Degree at Merced Community College, attended CBA Graduate School Retail Banking, FRB Community Development Lending School, and Bay Area Ross Program in Real Estate.
Job Titles:
- President and CEO / NV Bankers Association
- President and CEO of Nevada Bankers Association
Phyllis Gurgevich is president and CEO of Nevada Bankers Association (NBA).
Gurgevich is a veteran industry association development and leadership professional: throughout her career and across industries, she's been continually involved in industry education, advancement and advocacy through the power of association.
Job Titles:
- Manager of the Career Hub at Truckee Meadows Community
- Vice - President / Manager, TMCC Career Center
Sidney Sullivan is passionate about people and helping them find their way. She is currently the manager of the Career Hub, a part of the Student Services and Diversity division of Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, NV. Sidney is also a lifetime certified Bridges Out of Poverty trainer. Her personal goal is to help people find fulfilling employment that will support themselves and their families. She believes that everyone has the ability, but we all need a little help overcoming barriers. Sidney holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from the University of Montana and a Master of Science Degree in Equity and Diversity in Education from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Sidney Sullivan is the manager of the Career Hub at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, NV.
Job Titles:
- Hall Works With Charter College
Ta-Tiana has coordinated all aspects of Teen Empowerment, including college preparation, career preparation, financial literacy, civic engagement and community leadership for the teen centers in the Reno Sparks area.
Ta-Tiana is no stranger to youth development, having been involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows for almost 20 years, she has worked her way up the ranks from member, to Jr. Staff, to now Site Director. Before working full time at the Boys & Girls Club, Ta-Tiana was the Club's Leader in Training Coordinator, a substitute teacher and tutored for the Washoe County School District as well as the University of Nevada, Reno.
Ta-Tiana has immense experience with youth and teen with a primary focus on at-risk youth and teens in the Northern Nevada community. She has ran multiple financial literacy programs including My Path, Money Matters and Bite of Reality, over the last 5 years. At Boys & Girls Club the teen team works hard to ensure our teens successfully graduate high school, attended college, join the military, attend a trade school or assimilate into the work force. Throughout her time at Boys & Girls Club, she has influenced national programing, by hosting teen focus groups as well as helped teens earn prestigious awards such as Boys & Girls Club of America National Money Matters Ambassador.
Tracy Sherwood began her career with Opportunity Alliance Nevada in 2017 as the Office Manager under former Executive Director Lynne Keller. Tracy applied her experience in directing the operations of an office; people management; marketing for client relations and program support; Board of Directors support; and budget maintenance earned from her experiences as the AmeiCorps VISTA Leader at the Washoe County School District and her time in retail management with Ventnor Group's Footlocker Stores (where she simultaneously managed the Reno, Nevada Kids and Women's Footlockers).
Tracy runs day-to-day non-profit operations, supports the Board of Directors, and works closely with the Executive Director, Program Director, and Program Managers to assist the organization to attain its mission of building sustainable communities across Nevada to stabilize and improve the lives of individuals and families.
Tracy is a proud graduate of Cottey College, a private women's liberal arts college, owned by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, located in Nevada, Missouri. After earning her Associates degree at Cottey, she moved back to Nevada to attend the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College, where she continues her goal of being a life-long learner.
Tracy was an active volunteer during her son's time in the Washoe County School District, serving on the Board of the Council on Family Engagement, the Gifted and Talented Advisory Council, and in the Hunter Lade Parent Faculty Association. She strongly believes that volunteering is a valuable way to gain experience in the workplace and in young people's determination of whether a career path is the right fit for their future.
Tracy is the proud wife to a Nevada Air National Guard retiree and mother to a son who is currently attending the Nevada System of Higher Education to reach his goal of becoming a CTE instructor with the Washoe County School District.
In her free time, Tracy enjoys reading, riding her bike, walking, working on her planner and playing with her stickers, and spending time with her guys.
Tracy is an ardent supporter of "Go Grey in May" for brain tumour awareness month and welcomes the opportunity to offer support to other brain tumour/brain surgery survivors.