FINANCE
• Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc., announced the hire of David Navarro as senior vice president, Southern Nevada commercial banking market leader. A Las Vegas native, Navarro is responsible for expanding Umpqua Bank’s regional presence to support the financial needs of midsize companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $1 billion.
According to Shawn Thompson, executive vice president and Mountain West Commercial Director, Navarro’s addition underscores Umpqua Bank’s commitment to hiring top regional talent focused on customer success and contributing to the prosperity of a key Western market for the bank.
“Southern Nevada boasts a vibrant economy and unique business community. David’s deep understanding of the region and experience supporting some of its most successful enterprises make him a great fit to lead our market expansion,” Thompson said. “David is laser-focused on building teams committed to fostering strong customer relationships that provide strategic value and customized banking solutions. We look forward to his contribution to the success of our customers and our company.”
Navarro’s background in commercial banking includes more than a decade of leading teams and serving a diverse group of clients in the Las Vegas area. He started his career at a regional bank and has worked for some of the largest banks in the country, holding a variety of positions and leadership roles. In addition to his position at Umpqua Bank, Navarro is an adjunct professor of finance at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), his alma mater, and is actively involved in numerous community organizations, including holding board positions with the Nevada Bankers Association, Special Olympics Nevada and Make-A-Wish Nevada.
NONPROFIT
• The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance welcomed Lauri Perdue, national workforce director for University of Phoenix, as the new chairwoman of the LVGEA Board of Directors after serving as vice chair since January 2023. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education and workforce development, Perdue’s leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing LVGEA’s mission to drive economic growth and diversification in Southern Nevada.
Perdue brings a robust background in higher education, workforce development, consulting and organizational leadership. At University of Phoenix, she collaborates with companies nationwide to design programs and solutions that support career pathways for students and alumni and align with employer talent acquisition. Her dedication to workforce development aligns closely with LVGEA’s mission to strengthen the region’s economy by cultivating talent pipelines and fostering business collaboration.
“Lauri’s proven leadership in workforce development, community engagement, and higher education positions her perfectly to lead our board at this critical time,” said Betsy Fretwell, interim CEO of LVGEA. “Her deep understanding of creating career pathways and advancing community collaboration will help us tackle some of the region’s most pressing challenges. Under her guidance, we are confident that LVGEA will continue to chart a path toward sustainable growth and innovation.”
LVGEA also welcomes four new members to serve on the LVGEA Board of Directors, a diverse group of public and private sector leaders that are passionate about creating a brighter future for all Southern Nevadans.
— Recently elected mayor of Las Vegas, Shelley Berkley brings an impressive legacy of public service, including seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. A champion of health care reform and economic development, Berkley’s accomplishments include but are not limited to securing funding for the VA medical complex in Southern Nevada and advocating for expanded medical education programs.
Prior to her political career, Berkley served on the Nevada State Board of Regents and held leadership roles in the private sector, including as senior vice president of the Touro University system. Her lifelong dedication to Southern Nevada is reflected in her efforts to improve the quality of life and create economic opportunities for the region.
— With nearly three decades of public service, Stephanie Garcia-Vause has been a driving force behind the city of Henderson’s community development and strategic planning efforts. As assistant city manager since 2018, and recently appointed city manager in 2025, Garcia-Vause has overseen various departments, including communications and public safety, and established the Office of Education to address community needs.
Her leadership has been pivotal in securing funding for parks and trails, legislative initiatives and development projects like West Henderson’s expansion. A Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners, Garcia-Vause has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to urban planning and community development.
— Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones has spent his career championing critical issues such as behavioral health, economic diversification and environmental conservation. Serving as chair of the Regional Transportation Commission and Regional Flood Control District, Jones plays a pivotal role in addressing infrastructure and sustainability needs across Southern Nevada.
An attorney by profession and former Nevada state senator, Jones has dedicated his life to improving his community through leadership and policy. His commitment extends to nonprofit boards and youth advocacy.
— DeAndre Esteen is vice president, Contact Center Site coordinator at Barclays Bank US, overseeing citizenship initiatives, volunteer programs and strategic partnerships on the Henderson campus. Esteen’s previous roles include director of development at The Shade Tree, where he supported vulnerable populations.
A champion for diversity, equity and inclusion, Esteen chairs Barclays’ Henderson DE&I Council and serves on boards for organizations such as the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Tech Impact. Recognized for his community activism, Esteen is also a dedicated youth coach and mentor.
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance is a public-private partnership dedicated to growing the economy of the Las Vegas region through intentional business attraction, expansion, and connectivity. LVGEA has been designated as one of eight Regional Development Authorities (RDA) in Nevada by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) for 2024-2025.
TRANSPORTATION
• All In Aviation, Southern Nevada’s premier flight school and full-service aviation company, announces the hiring of Rob Pickering as its new director of maintenance.
Following the recent acquisition of its maintenance partner, Lone Mountain Aviation, All In Aviation has become one of the largest full-service aviation centers in the Southwest. The addition of Pickering strengthens the company’s new service division, as he takes on the vital role of managing complex maintenance operations and ensuring full compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
Pickering brings more than 30 years of experience in aircraft maintenance management and quality assurance. Before joining All In Aviation in December 2024, he held leadership positions at Cirrus Aircraft, Embraer Executive Jet Services, ACI Jet, Rolls Royce Corp. and L-3 Vertex Flight International. Pickering is an FAA-certified flight instructor, commercial pilot and mechanic with inspection authorization. He also holds a B.S. in aeronautical engineering Technology from Purdue University.
All In Aviation has two locations: Henderson Executive Airport and North Las Vegas Airport.