EDUCATION
• Roseman University of Health Sciences has appointed Christina V. Tran, DVM, as executive associate dean of the university’s proposed College of Veterinary Medicine, effective Jan. 12, 2026.
Tran brings more than 20 years of experience in veterinary practice, education and leadership. Her career includes work in small animal private practice, shelter medicine and academic leadership roles at Portland Community College, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, where she served as founding faculty and clinical relations lead veterinarian. Most recently, Tran was founding dean of the proposed veterinary school at Hanover College in Indiana.
“Dr. Tran’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Roseman University as we advance plans for our College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Dr. Katherine Fogelberg, founding dean of the proposed college. “Her extensive experience in clinical education and her visionary leadership will help us create a program that prepares graduates to meet the evolving needs of the veterinary profession.”
Tran is widely recognized for her contributions to veterinary education and her commitment to creating learning environments where all students feel supported and empowered to succeed. She has championed initiatives that promote collaboration, professional growth and access to opportunities within the veterinary field. She has held leadership roles with organizations including the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association, serving as past president and founding board member, North American Veterinary Community, Veterinary Virtual Care Association and American Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Welfare Committee.
“Beyond her impressive credentials, Dr. Tran is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment,” Fogelberg said. “Her passion for mentoring and advocacy will be invaluable as we build a college that reflects Roseman’s values of collaboration, innovation and community engagement.”
Tran earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis, and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Announced in June 2025, Roseman University of Health Sciences is planning to establish a College of Veterinary Medicine at its Henderson, Nevada, campus to address critical veterinary workforce shortages throughout Nevada and the Western United States. Led by founding dean Fogelberg, the proposed program aims to train veterinarians equipped to serve diverse communities and settings, from urban companion animal care to rural food animal medicine. The college will pursue accreditation through the American Veterinary Medical Association and would join Roseman’s existing health professions programs in pharmacy, nursing, dental medicine and medicine, furthering the university’s mission to advance health and wellness in Nevada and beyond. Development is proceeding in consultation with veterinary stakeholders across the state.
Founded in Henderson, Nevada, in 1999, Roseman University of Health Sciences is a nonprofit, private institution of higher learning that trains the next generation of undergraduate and graduate-level health care professionals who serve, collaborate, and set new standards in their communities and within their professions.
HEALTH CARE
• The Alzheimer’s Association has elected Las Vegas-based executive, Hector Fernandez, to its national board of directors.
Fernandez joins the 25-member, volunteer governing board in steering the strategic direction of the association as it carries out its mission to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Fernandez is the incoming CEO of the combined enterprise of International Game Technology (IGT) and Everi Holdings, managed by Apollo Global Management. He previously served as CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, where he led the company’s global land-based gaming content and technology business. Earlier in his career, Fernandez held senior positions at Deloitte, Procter & Gamble, Amgen and Western Digital.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as a member of the Alzheimer’s Association board,” Fernandez said. “I could think of no better way than to honor my mother’s legacy than by the chance to create a lasting impact through the association’s comprehensive global research to end Alzheimer’s for future generations.”
Fernandez will serve a two-year term on the national board. He also serves on the boards of the American Gaming Association and the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College.
“We are pleased to welcome Hector to the Alzheimer’s Association board of directors,” said Minoo Javanmardian, Ph.D., chair, Alzheimer’s Association board of directors. “His expertise, background and passion for our mission will be invaluable for all communities as we work together in pursuit of the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”
Fernandez is a certified public accountant and holds a master’s debree in business administration with concentrations in finance and marketing from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics with minors in accounting and government from Claremont McKenna College. In his free time, he enjoys giving back to his community, cheering on his favorite sports teams and exploring new destinations with his family.
More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, including nearly 55,000 in Nevada. Alzheimer’s is a leading cause of death in the United States and one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research and the leading advocacy organization for people affected by the disease. The Association works with policymakers nationwide to address the growing public health crisis, securing increased funding for research at the National Institutes of Health and advancing legislation such as the National Alzheimer’s Project Act.
LAW
• Howard & Howard announced James D. Boyle has joined the firm as an attorney in its intellectual property practice group. Based in the firm’s Las Vegas office, Boyle brings more than 25 years of experience representing entrepreneurs, startups and established companies in complex intellectual property and technology litigation.
Boyle’s practice spans brand protection, trade secret disputes and IP enforcement across industries ranging from technology and gaming to manufacturing and entertainment. He has represented clients before state and federal courts, the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and administrative agencies, and has served as briefing and arguing counsel in multiple Federal Circuit appeals.
“Jim is a seasoned litigator whose deep experience and results-driven approach strengthen our national IP practice,” added Jon Kreucher, president and CEO of Howard & Howard. “His addition enhances our ability to serve clients navigating high-stakes IP and technology disputes.”
Boyle earned his J.D. from Willamette University College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Washington. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, multiple U.S. Courts of Appeal, and several federal district courts.
With a history spanning over 150 years, Howard & Howard is a full-service law firm with a national and international practice, providing legal services to businesses and business owners. More than 140 attorneys practice out of offices in Las Vegas, Nevada; Detroit, Michigan; Chicago and Peoria, Illinois; and Los Angeles, California.
