New CSN Foundation board ready to go bigger, bolder

It is with great pleasure that I assume the role of board chairman for the College of Southern Nevada Foundation.

As a member of the board for the past four years, and most recently a member of its Executive Committee, I have been both impressed and humbled by the dedication of the college administration, faculty and staff and, in particular, those in the Foundation.

All of these devoted professionals have demonstrated laserlike focus on bettering the lives of the citizens of Southern Nevada who desire a well-rounded, affordable education that will prepare them for a successful life experience. Their focus has not wavered despite the countless challenges our community currently faces.

We have much work ahead of us, but I remain optimistic that the strong partnership between the college staff and the Foundation's volunteer board of directors will produce a well-funded higher education system that affords opportunity for all who aspire to move forward. I fully expect the work of the Foundation to expand as we head through this second decade of the millennium, with bigger, bolder plans for growth and expansion that will better serve our students and our community.

My fellow board members share this same bold vision for change and are committed to do whatever they can to help the college achieve its mission. Perhaps no one better represents that commitment than our outgoing chair, Robbie Graham, who led the board for the past several years with a purposeful approach and a gracious demeanor. While her shoes are not exactly my style, they will nonetheless be very difficult to fill.

Our new Executive Committee is made up of veteran supporters of CSN who have agreed to step up to the plate in overseeing some of the more detailed aspects of the Foundation's work. I am thrilled to be collaborating with all of them, as well as the returning members of the board, including those who have served with distinction for several years and newer members eager to offer their fundraising talent and strategic thinking. Let me introduce a few of them now.

Linda Ness, Vice Chair

Linda Ness, national director of sales at Smart City, will serve as the new board of trustees vice chair. Linda has been instrumental in the success of the CSN Legacy of Achievement Gala, which has raised almost $2 million for college scholarships and programs.

Known for her charisma, enthusiasm and energy, Linda has strong ties to this community and our vibrant hospitality industry that will be critical as we look to plan future fundraising events and activities.

Jeffrey M. Cooper, Treasurer

Jeffrey Cooper, a partner with Bradshaw, Smith & Co., will serve as the treasurer for the board. As a CPA and former president of the Nevada State Board of Accounting, I can think of no one else more suited to this position as our fiscal wingman.

Still struggling through economic woes, colleges and universities across the nation are altering their fundraising activities to focus more on planned giving. Jeff has significant experience in this field and has been working for the past year to help CSN launch its planned giving efforts.

Edgar Patino, Secretary

Edgar Patino, a government affairs executive and 2008 MBA graduate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas brings impressive communications and business acumen to the board. As NV Energy manager of local government affairs, he will help us as we look to capitalize on energy savings programs.

His talent and enthusiasm for our mission will help us create new partnerships with businesses, organizations and leaders in Nevada that can strengthen our efforts to raise funds to help CSN students graduate and make a difference in our community.

Peter O'Neill is the chairman of the board of the CSN Foundation and the corporate director of public relations at R&R Partners.