The Education Alliance of Washoe County elected new officers and some members for the next fiscal year during its last board meeting.
Dave Bianchi, a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual, will take over the role of president from Alex Woodley, Reno code enforcement manager. Melissa Burnham, associated dean and professor in the University of Nevada, Reno College of Education, will serve as vice president.
The alliance is a non-profit organization that connects businesses with local schools through various events, including Run for Education, Principal for a Day, and Teachers’ Warehouse.
Joe Cline, UNR vice provost for undergraduate education, will serve as secretary. Eric Scheetz, an engineer with the Truckee River Flood Management Authority, was elected treasurer. Members-At-Large are Mariluz Garcia, director of UNR Dean’s Future Scholars, and Michelle Sanchez-Bickley vice president of human resources at Renown Health.
Two new board members are Lauren Garfinkel, Panasonic Energy of North America recruitment and branding specialist, and Ann Silver, CEO of the Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce.
Returning to the board are Natha Anderson, Washoe Education Association president; Brent Boynton, Reno Housing Authority community outreach director; Bill Cathey, UNR vice provost-emeritus; Mariah Evans, UNR Faculty Senate; Kris Layman, agent with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates; Chris Morgan, Deloitte LLP lab leader; Charles Pasillas, Verus AEC project maanger; Nanette Quitt, NV Energy labor relations manager; Ben Rogers, NevadaNano principal engineer; John Slaughter, Washoe County manager; and Jill Tolles, Nevada assemblywoman.
The board also has permanent positions representing the Washoe County School District, Truckee Meadows Community College, University of Nevada, Reno and the Education Alliance.
