Executive Board
Brid. General Bill Burks
Brig Gen(r) William R Burks was appointed Adjutant General for the State of Nevada by Governor Gibbons in June 2009. As the Adjutant General, he was the senior uniformed Nevada National Guard officer responsible for formulating, developing, and coordinating all policies, programs, and plans
affecting more than 3,500 Nevada Army and Air National Guard personnel. General Burks served as the Governor's principal adviser on all National Guard issues, was responsible for both the federal and state missions of the Nevada National Guard, and served as the official channel of communication with the National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army, and Department of the Air Force.
General Burks began his military career with the Nevada Air National Guard when he was selected to attend navigator training for the 152nd Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Reno and received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1978. He earned his navigator wings at Mather Air Force Base, California, and weapons system officer rating at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, in 1978. He served in various assignments with the 152nd Airlift Wing, including Assistant Plans Officer, Deputy Chief of Standards/Evaluations, and Chief of Standards/Evaluations.
Before being selected as the Adjutant General, General Burks was the Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Nevada National Guard, and also served as Director of the Joint Staff, Joint Staff Headquarters, Nevada National Guard. During this timeframe, he also acted as a Special Assistant to the Headquarters Air Force Quadrennial Defense Review Office. While on a Statutory Title 10 Tour, he served as the Director of Staff at Headquarters, Air Force Quadrennial Defense Review, where he was responsible for examining the national security strategy and identifying force structures to support its requirements. Before this position, General Burks held similar positions within the Headquarters Air Force, Strategic Planning Directorate, and Defense Review/Integration Directorate, where his responsibilities included developing and writing the 2007 Air Force Strategic Plan and establishing the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's Heritage to Horizons effort.
Col. John Brownell
Colonel John Brownell is a distinguished senior leader in the United States Air Force with a career spanning more than three decades of dedicated service to national defense, operational excellence, and Airmen development. Based in Carson City, Nevada, Col. Brownell has earned a reputation for strategic leadership, mission-focused innovation, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the Air Force’s core values of integrity, service, and excellence.
Throughout his career, Col. Brownell has held key command and staff roles across multiple operational theaters, overseeing critical missions in aviation operations, logistics, emergency response coordination, and interagency collaboration. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening readiness, modernizing operational capabilities, and shaping policies that support both active-duty and reserve components.
Col. Brownell is highly regarded for his mentorship and his ability to cultivate strong, mission-driven teams. He has spearheaded initiatives that enhance workforce development, improve organizational efficiency, and expand opportunities for rising Air Force leaders. His expertise in strategic planning and community engagement has also made him a respected liaison between military installations, state leadership, and civic organizations throughout Nevada.
Dedicated to service beyond the uniform, Col. Brownell is actively involved in community programs supporting veterans, youth development, and emergency preparedness partnerships across the state. His leadership and impact have earned the admiration of colleagues, community leaders, and service members throughout the region.
Col. John Brownell’s career continues to reflect a lifelong commitment to protecting the nation, empowering Airmen, and building stronger communities across Nevada and beyond.
Judge Brandy Holbrook
I am a 4th-generation Carlin resident, with my family starting one of the 1st grocery stores on Main Street in Carlin. My family has worked in business, the railroad, and mining throughout our history in Carlin. I graduated from Carlin High School and later earned my bachelor’s in social work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I returned to my roots after college to practice Social Work for 23 years in Rural Nevada, focusing on child protective services. I was based at the Elko District Office but covered all 15 rural counties in Nevada throughout my career with the Division of Child and Family Services. I was elected Carlin Township Justice and Municipal Court Justice of the Peace and took the bench on January 6, 2025.
Angeline Portel Esq.
Attorney Angeline Portel is an accomplished legal professional based in Elko, Nevada, known for her commitment to justice, community service, and client advocacy. With a distinguished career rooted in integrity and a deep understanding of Nevada’s legal landscape, Attorney Portel has become a trusted advisor to individuals, families, and organizations throughout northeastern Nevada.
Attorney Portel’s practice focuses on delivering strategic, solutions-oriented representation across a range of legal areas, including civil litigation, family law, and community legal advocacy. Her approach combines rigorous legal analysis with a compassionate understanding of the challenges her clients face, ensuring that each person receives personalized guidance and strong, ethical representation.
As a respected member of Nevada’s legal community, Attorney Portel has worked extensively with local agencies, courts, and community partners to help strengthen access to legal resources in rural areas. Her leadership extends beyond the courtroom—she is an active supporter of civic initiatives, educational programs, and community development efforts throughout Elko County.
Attorney Portel is widely recognized for her professionalism, clarity in communication, and dedication to achieving fair and meaningful outcomes. Her reputation for thorough preparation and unwavering advocacy has earned her the respect of colleagues, clients, and community leaders alike.
Driven by a passion for justice and service, Attorney Angeline Portel continues to make a significant and lasting impact on the Elko community and the broader Nevada legal system.
Larry J. Mosley
Larry J. Mosley is a visionary leader, community advocate, and founding member of the 100 Black Men of Las Vegas, where he also served as the organization’s Past President. Highly respected across Nevada for his dedication to mentorship, youth development, and equitable community advancement, Mosley has spent decades shaping programs that uplift and empower underserved populations throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
Under his leadership, the 100 Black Men of Las Vegas expanded its impact through robust initiatives focused on education, health and wellness, economic empowerment, and leadership development. Mosley played a central role in establishing signature mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and community partnerships that continue to serve as pillars of support for young people and families across the region.
His career and community service reflect a steadfast commitment to the organization’s motto, “What They See Is What They’ll Be.” Mosley has championed innovative approaches to youth engagement, built lasting collaborations with civic and business leaders, and strengthened the organization’s operational foundation to ensure long-term sustainability.
Beyond his work with the 100 Black Men of Las Vegas, Larry J. Mosley is recognized for his broader contributions to public service, leadership development, and community-building efforts. His influence extends across Nevada’s nonprofit, educational, and public sectors, where he is valued for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to positive change.
Larry J. Mosley’s legacy continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and remains integral to the ongoing success and growth of the 100 Black Men of Las Vegas.
