Brook Bentley has worked in a variety of positions for different companies which provides her a great understanding of B2B communication and the value of a digital and social presence that she applies to her current role as social media and content manager for Sierra Nevada Media Group.
Karen Coe, Operations Coordinator, has been with the Nevada SBDC since 2014. She works in Reno at the University of Nevada, Reno location. Ms. Coe has specific experience with Human Resources, financial analysis, budgeting, grant writing, Managing Made in Nevada, project management, office fun, Operations Management, and the Boston Red Sox. Ms. Coe has a MS in Psychology and an undergraduate degree in Psychology (and yes, this helps her work with all the crazy people at the Nevada SBDC). She previously owned an upscale children’s boutique and worked in Operations Management at a mental health/addiction treatment center.
Chris Howard is the Director of the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship and is also a faculty member, overseeing Entrepreneurship academic curriculum in the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno. Over the past 37 years as a corporate principal or venture capital partner, Chris has bought, sold, and/or invested in 28 companies. He is the current CEO and Principal of NorthStar Investors, specializing in the provision of operational guidance and devising technical, financial and economic strategies. In addition to his focus on funding and growing start-up companies, Chris was formerly a CFO/COO of two publicly reporting companies, and a consultant with two national CPA firms. He holds a BA in Economics from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University. He is a CMA (Certified in Management Accounting) and a CMC (Certified Management Consultant).
Kaitlin is the social media and content strategist at TravelNevada, where she creatively champions travel opportunities beyond the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip and inspires adventure into the heart of Nevada. Using compelling storytelling, content development, and cross-channel influencer engagement strategies, Kaitlin was a key player assisting TravelNevada in receiving national recognition last year in best in Travel PR, including a Silver Anvil from the Public Relations Society of America and a Mercury Award from the U.S. Travel Association. Kaitlin holds an MA in Interactive Journalism and a BA in Public Relations/Advertising, both from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Ira Gostin, entrepreneur, marketer and communications strategist, is an influential and innovative business development advisor specializing in achieving measurable results. He operates 120 West, providing investor relations, marketing and communications solutions for companies looking to grow, expand and move the needle on their business. A founding executive for Tahoe Resources Inc., a $3+ billion publicly traded company, Ira recently directed investor relations and corporate communications where he established the company’s brand as one of the top precious metals producers in the world. He coordinated Tahoe’s $505 million IPO in 2010 and directed communications and branding for mergers in 2015 and 2016. Tahoe was named a TopGun company in Canada for 2016.
Ira actively mentors business owners through Summit VMS, division of EDAWN and as a judge for the Governor’s Cup Business Plan Competition. He serves as a board member for the Sierra Nevada chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and is the president of the board of directors for Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs, which operates the Newton Learning Center, Nevada’s only Autism school. He is a member of NCET and NIRI, the National Investor Relations Institute.
Kevin Idoni brings over 10 years of digital marketing knowledge to the SNMG team. He is a data nerd that loves to adapt to the ever-changing trends online to ensure the highest conversion rates possible for his client’s campaigns.
Stallar Lufrano-Jardine is the Director of Career Services with The College of Business at the University of Nevada. Stallar guides and counsels undergraduate students seeking internships, full-time, and part-time positions. She has created and grown student programs such as Wolf Pack Shadow, and has hit record attendance among employers and students at the College of Business Career Fair. She received her Master of Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2012 and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Environmental Leadership.
Jim McClenahan’s mission is to link the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business’s most valuable asset – its students – with companies that will benefit from their skills and talent. As the college’s director of corporate relations and outreach, McClenahan is responsible for connecting students to businesses through community events, internships, mentorships and providing contacts for career opportunities. He is also responsible for recruitment of new graduate students to the College of Business and for administering the college’s Corporate Partners program. McClenahan also teaches marketing in The College of Business and runs the Nevada Global Business Program, designed to give graduate and undergraduate students short, experiential, international course experience. McClenahan holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Nevada, Reno and bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. McClenahan recently finished his term as the past chairman of the board for The Chamber. He currently serves on the board of directors for United Federal Credit Union and Junior Achievement. He also serves The Chamber board as liaison between the Chamber and the University.
Kirsten is the Publisher of the Northern Nevada Business Weekly and and General Manager of the Reno Office of the Sierra Nevada Media Group.
Ms. McIntosh advises established and emerging entities on general corporate, transactional, and regulatory matters. Her experience is strongly focused on assisting clients in regulated industries including health care, insurance, and finance. Ms. McIntosh approaches clients’ problems from a pragmatic perspective, providing clients with practical legal solutions that make sense in the context of day‐to‐day business operations and strategic objectives. Ms. McIntosh advises businesses at all stages of the corporate lifecycle, from formational matters like entity selection, organizational document preparation and licensure, to the sale or purchase of equity interests. She also guides companies through mergers and acquisitions, vendor and workforce contracting, business succession, and dissolution. In her health law practice, Ms. McIntosh counsels physicians, hospitals, long-term care facilities, insurers, and other healthcare providers through administrative hearings before state and federal agencies, licensing matters, the certificate of need process, fraud and abuse investigations, credentialing, and medical staff issues. She also works with clients to structure relationships between providers in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute. Ms. McIntosh is Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) through the Compliance Certification Board. Her compliance activities include assisting clients with matters related to HIPAA, HITECH, and other state laws and regulations. She also assists clients with compliance auditing activities and the development and implementation of corporate compliance plans. Ms. McIntosh is admitted to practice in Nevada.
Mick is a 27 year sales and marketing veteran with more than half of his career spent in print/publishing.
Caren oversees social media and online strategy across all of SNMG’s publications.
Jamii Uboldi is a University of Nevada, Reno communications graduate with a background in marketing, public relations, and business development. Uboldi leads strategic marketing efforts for Saint Mary’s Health Network and has dedicated her time to building programs that engage employees, and support the long-term health and wellness of patients. She is passionate about serving women and children in her community and serves as Vice Chair of the board for Girls Scouts of Sierra Nevada and is a board member for Nevada Women’s Fund.
For 17 plus years, Vigil has worked in strategic communications, public involvement and development for various industries including utilities, water resources and non-profit organizations. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno Reynold’s School of Journalism Vigil began her career in gaming and tourism. In 2016 she joined Lumos & Associates, regional engineering firm, as the Business Development Manager. Vigil earned the distinction of Accredited Public Relations practitioner in 2007 and earned a Master of Science in Leadership from the Grand Canyon University in 2016.
Brooke is currently GM of SNMG, leading the properties in Northern Nevada. She is an Internet pioneer and thought leader having started her career in media 25 years ago. As the lead for our Swift New Ventures initiative, Brooke is always on the lookout for new trends and market opportunities to build into winning investments. Tirelessly passionate about creating, building, growing and operating profitable media products she has worked to empower and enable strong teams in media companies, intrepreneurial scenarios and early stage start-ups.