FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDAWN Approves New Board of Trustees Members and Executive Committee Officers for 2026

RENO, NV. (January 22, 2026) – The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) announced its 2026 Board of Trustees, including the election of its officers, the addition of five new trustees, one new designated trustee, and the reelection of four returning trustees. The full board slate was approved during EDAWN’s recent Board of Trustees meeting.

EDAWN’s Board of Trustees brings together leaders from across the public and private sectors who share a commitment to strengthening Northern Nevada’s economy. The Board guides EDAWN’s regional economic development strategy with a focus on business retention & expansion, job creation, and long-term investment, while fostering collaboration across industries, jurisdictions, and communities. With both returning and new trustees, the Board brings continuity and fresh perspective to advance opportunity and support the region’s long-term growth and quality of life.

“Strong regional collaboration starts with strong leadership,” said Taylor Adams, President and CEO of EDAWN. “This Board reflects the experience, insight, and shared commitment needed to keep Northern Nevada competitive and moving forward.”

Introducing the 2026-2027 Board of Trustees Officers:

  • Board Chair: Stephen Ascuaga, Corporate Director of Business Development, Peppermill Inc. 
  • Vice Chair: Michael Dermody, Executive Chairman, Dermody
  • Secretary: Matthew Addison, Partner, McDonald Carano
  • Treasurer: Caesar Ibarra, Partner, Eide Bailly LLP
  • Municipality Representative: Austin Osborne, County Manager, Storey County
  • Immediate Past Chair: Nick Rossi, Executive Chairman, LP Insurance

Introducing the new members of the Board of Trustees:

  • Denette Suddeth, Regional President & Head of Commercial Banking, PNC Bank
  • Doug Thornley, Of Counsel, Holland & Hart LLP
  • Doug Wiele, President and CEO, Foothill Partners, Inc.
  • Laura Perry, General Manager, Western Turf & Hardscapes
  • Rick Nelson, Senior VP, Mark IV Capital

Introducing the new Designated Trustee: 

  • Aron Willis, Executive Vice President, Ormat Technologies

The following trustees were re-elected to continue their term:

  • Robert Cuillard, Lyon Living
  • John Zimmerman, Truckee Meadows Water Authority
  • Don Tatro, Redwood Materials
  • Bri Thoreson, Bishop Manogue Catholic High School

Thank you to our departing Board members, Kate Franko of Google, Carli Kinne​ of Panasonic Energy, and Scott Pruneau of ITS Logistics, for your support, dedication, and service to EDAWN as a Trustee.

For a complete list of the EDAWN Board of Trustees, click here.

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About EDAWN:

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization established in 1983 funded primarily by private investors with support from public partners, committed to supporting, growing, and maintaining a vibrant and sustainable economy in Northern Nevada. For more information, visit: www.edawn.org.

Media Contact:

Ava Coulter

Marketing and Communications Specialist, EDAWN

702.901.9615, coulter@edawn.org