Luis F. Valera is the Vice President for Diversity Initiatives and Government Relations for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he is responsible for advocating the university’s position on county, state, and federal issues in addition to his role as the university’s chief diversity officer. In May 2008, Luis was appointed to the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. As a commissioner, he dealt with the many economic challenges facing Nevada by approving public policy to encourage growth and expansion throughout the job market. In February 2011, he was appointed to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada where he served as a regulator over Nevada’s utility providers. Before joining UNLV in 2007, Luis served as the Director of Public Affairs for the Nevada Resort Association, the state’s oldest trade association representing Nevada’s major gaming and resort corporations. In his capacity as director, he was responsible for advocating the interests of the gaming and resort industry at the municipal, state, and federal levels. Luis has also served as president of the Nevada Tourism Alliance, a not for profit trade association representing the vendors and suppliers doing business with the hotel and resort industry.

A proud UNLV alumnus, Luis holds his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. During his time as an undergraduate, Luis served as student body vice president and as a registered student-lobbyist for UNLV’s student government. Upon graduating, Luis took a job as a legislative correspondent on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. After completing his time as a staffer, Luis returned to Las Vegas to continue his education. Enrolling at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, Luis completed his studies and now holds a Juris Doctorate.

Luis has been an active member of the Latin Chamber of Commerce for many years. In 2001 he was elected to the Latin Chamber’s Board of Directors and in 2009 was elected Chairman of the Board. As a Board member, Luis has served on the Membership Committee, the Business Development Committee, chairman of the IMPACTO Political Action Committee, and chairman of the Government Affairs Committee.