A new leader has been named for the Guinn Center for Policy Priorities after longtime leader Nancy Brune has stepped down. Dale Erquiaga, a former state schools superintendent for the Nevada Department of Education, has taken on the role of executive director for the nonpartisan research and policy organization.
Brune was the founding executive director of the Guinn Center—a role she’s held since 2013—and will remain a Senior Fellow with the group. She said she is leaving the research organization for a new professional opportunity.
The Guinn Center in 2021 joined the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), relocating its primary office to the UNR campus while maintaining an office at College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. UNR Provost Jeff Thompson said Brune helped the Guinn Center to make its goals reality.
“Dr. Brune’s work in leading the Guinn Center has profoundly impacted how policy is implemented in our state and our region, across a broad spectrum of areas from fiscal policy, education, health, social policy, energy, governance and much more,” Thompson said. He added that the transition to Erquiaga would continue the Guinn Center’s trajectory.
“In Dale Erquiaga, the Guinn Center will have a respected and experienced leader whose career has always been about ensuring that the lives of all Nevadans are made better through sound policy decisions. He has a wealth of experience in a variety of key areas that will serve the Guinn Center well,” Thompson said.
Erquiaga, who graduated from UNR and has a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University, has served the state for a number of years, including stints as an advisor for former Gov. Brian Sandoval, leading the Department of Museums, Library and Arts, and as a policy and strategic planning advisor for Clark County School District. His most recent role was as CEO of Communities in Schools National in Washington, D.C.
Source: UNR
