Carlos Fernandez

I am Carlos D. Fernandez, a dedicated public servant and advocate with extensive experience in the fields of association management, public policy, and community engagement.

My tenure as Executive Director at the American Institute of Architects, Public Policy Manager at the Vegas Chamber, and Student Body President at UNLV has grounded me in the challenges and opportunities within Nevada’s educational and workforce systems.

My background is rich in leadership, strategic advocacy, and fostering educational advancements, all aimed at creating more cohesive, supportive learning environments that directly align with the state's evolving workforce needs.

• Engage: I am committed to making higher education accessible to every Nevadan. By breaking down barriers and offering diverse pathways such as certificate programs and apprenticeships, along with traditional degrees, the goal is not just to meet our community where they are; it is about opening doors and pioneering paths to a brighter future for everyone.
• Empower: I believe our students’ journeys shouldn’t just begin; they should culminate in success. By providing comprehensive academic advising, integrating industry-focused career counseling, and fostering community engagement, I aim to keep students motivated, supported, and on track to creating a better future for themselves and their families.
• Elevate: I understand that graduating isn’t the finish line; it’s the beginning of a promising career path. I am dedicated to continuously aligning educational programs with the evolving demands of the job market, ensuring our graduates are not just diploma holders but skilled professionals ready for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

I am particularly passionate about education reform and workforce development. I believe in building strong educational frameworks that support student success from the ground up, addressing the immediate and future needs of Nevada’s economy. My commitment extends to enhancing student support systems, improving completion rates, and ensuring our education system aligns with the realities and opportunities of the current job market. My approach is focused on creating tangible results in educational attainment and economic advancement for all Nevadans.

I believe that integrity, transparency, and commitment to the community are paramount for any elected official.

Integrity ensures that decisions are made based on what is right and just, not merely what is popular or politically expedient.

Transparency fosters trust and accountability, allowing constituents to understand the decision-making process and hold their leaders accountable.

Commitment to community ensures that the elected official always acts with the best interests of their constituents at heart, prioritizing public service over personal gain.

I believe my strong sense of empathy, dedication to public service, and ability to collaborate effectively across different groups and interests equip me well for office. My background in public policy and community engagement has provided me with the skills to listen, understand, and act on behalf of the needs and concerns of our community.

The core responsibilities of someone elected to the office of University Regent include advocating for accessible, quality education; ensuring the alignment of educational programs with workforce demands; and stewarding public resources effectively.

Additionally, it involves engaging with students, faculty, and the community to understand and address their needs, ensuring that the educational institutions under NSHE continue to serve as engines for personal development and economic growth.

My very first job was as a 9 year old owning my own small toy business at the Broad Acres Swap Meet in North Las Vegas. I did this as my parents worked selling clothes to provide for our family upon immigrating to the United States. This job, though small, taught me the value of hard work and responsibility.

Vegas Chamber of Commerce
AFL-CIO/Southern Nevada Central Labor Council
Nevada State Education Association

I am a strong advocate for financial transparency and government accountability. Public servants should see themselves as a stewards of the community's trust and resources. This responsibility requires clear, open, and honest reporting of financial activities and decisions. Building trust through transparency not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations but also ensures that entities like educational institutions fulfill their roles and commitments to the public.