Governor-elect Joe Lombardo announced Chris Nielsen as his incoming General Counsel and Sonia Joya as his incoming Southern Nevada Director. Both had previously served in the Sandoval administration. 

“I’m excited to welcome Chris Nielsen and Sonia Joya to my team,” said Governor-elect Joe Lombardo. “Given his outstanding legal background, I know that Chris will provide judicious counsel and tremendous insight for my administration. Similarly, Sonia brings decades of proven management experience to our team, and I’m confident that she will provide great leadership on our initiatives in southern Nevada. I’m grateful to Chris and Sonia for their service to our state.”

Chris Nielsen currently serves as General Counsel for the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Nevada. Nielsen previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Brian Sandoval, following his tenure leading the Nevada Department of Taxation. Prior to that, Nielsen served as the Deputy Attorney General under then-Attorney General Brian Sandoval and served as General Counsel to Governor Jim Gibbons.

Sonia Joya previously served as the Director of Minority and Business Support in the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). Prior to that, Joya served as the Southern Nevada Director for Governor Brian Sandoval from 2011 to 2014, following her tenure as State Director for U.S. Senator John Ensign from 2001 to 2011. Additionally, Joya previously worked as the District Director for Congressman Cresent Hardy and as the Southern Nevada Director for Governor Kenny Guinn. Most recently, Joya served as the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at the Republican National Committee.

As reported by The Globe, Ben Kieckhefer was appointed as Lombardo’s Chief of Staff and Elizabeth Ray will serve as his Communications Director.