Collier’s Luxury Notes

Gordon Miles, president of Americana Holdings, which includes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchises in Nevada and Arizona, has been named a director of the nonprofit Golden Rainbow. The nonprofit group provides housing, financial assistance and education to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.

“Gordon’s participation on our board is another example of the community commitment demonstrated by Berkshire Hathaway,” said Scott Emerson, second vice president of Golden Rainbow and CEO of the American Red Cross Nevada Region.

“Gordon brings a long history of working with HIV organizations in addition to his real estate knowledge and strong ties to the local LGBT community,” said Gary Costa, executive director of Golden Rainbow. “His experience in real estate will help us tremendously with our real estate holdings and purchasing new properties.”

Costa said Gordan will be a welcomed addition in helping the center expand its housing to meet the needs of people affected with HIV/AIDS. The charity has a waiting list for 57 clients who need housing. He said the charity hopes to secure a new location this summer in the downtown area.

“He will help us meet our client needs and position us for the future,” he said.

Miles said after working in Las Vegas for several years, it’s time to get involved in community causes. The Reno native has supported charities in his hometown and Palm Springs, where he first worked as a luxury Realtor.

“It’s a shock to see the families, the babies and mothers affected with HIV/AIDS. To spend time with them; it makes me think how can we serve more people. It’s my desire to make a difference in these people’s lives. It affects young, old, gay, straight. I remember losing a lot of good friends when I was younger.”

In his role on the board of Golden Rainbow, Miles will assist in building Golden Rainbow’s Permanent Housing Program, one of the only housing programs designed specifically for people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.

He will also work with the organization’s education and assistance programs, fundraising efforts and annual “Ribbon of Life” benefit event, which will be held this summer.

In addition to Miles, Golden Rainbow’s current board of directors includes: President Drew Zidzik of Nevada State Bank; first Vice President Pietra Sardelli of the Springs Preserve; Emerson, immediate past president; secretary Cheryl Bella of YMCA of Southern Nevada and directors Julio Jimenez of Ticor Title of Nevada; Dana Oswalt of Benson &Bingham; Christina Cazares of E.ON Climate &Renewables; and Jim Villela of Lamar Outdoor Advertising.

Golden Rainbow was founded by Las Vegas entertainers in 1987. For more information, visit www.goldenrainbow.org or call 702-384-2899.

Miles splits his time between Arizona and Nevada managing the business operations of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada Properties and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties.

He managers the recruiting, retention and technical support for 2,000 real estate sales executives and nearly 200 staff members in 20 offices throughout Nevada and Arizona.

The real estate expert moved to Las Vegas from Reno right after the economic downturn and has spent the past five years streamlining the company’s operations, procedures and education system.

He joined Mark Stark, founder and owner of Prudential Americana, before the company merged with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices last year.