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Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners are responsible for setting policy, and appointing and overseeing the executive director.

As described in Nevada Revised Statute 315, the Board is appointed as follows: Washoe County Commission appoints two members, City of Reno appoints two members and City of Sparks appoints two members. The executive director appoints one person who is a current recipient of assistance from the authority.

kathleen taylor headshot

Kathleen Taylor

Chair

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Miguel Martinez

Vice Chair

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Mariluz Garcia

Commissioner

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Alexis Hill

Commissioner

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Joe Rodriguez

Commissioner

Alexandrea Toney

Commissioner

Dian VanderWell

Commissioner

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Board Meetings

The Reno Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and other materials can be found here.

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kathleen taylor headshot

Kathleen Taylor

Chair

It’s tough to find someone with as much affection for northern Nevada as Kathleen Taylor. A Reno local, Kathleen is a graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno, the Reno + Sparks Chamber Leadership Program and the Reno Citizens Institute. That deep knowledge of and love for the community gives her a broad perspective on a kaleidoscope of ways the community can prosper, including affordable housing infrastructure.

Kathleen prides herself on being a team player dedicated to providing vibrant communities for everyone. A local small business owner, she previously served as a city planning commissioner where she advised the city council on economic development, natural resource conservation and enhancement, housing development and land use decisions. She has also been a member of the Building Enterprise Funding Advisory committee.   

A mom of two who lives in the downtown core of Reno, Kathleen says she sees firsthand how a variety of housing results in a dynamic, energetic community, and she recognizes how stable, affordable housing impacts people’s health and quality of life.

miguel martinez headshot

Miguel Martinez

Commissioner

Miguel Martinez is a Reno native who brings his passion for community-building and education into the fold as a commissioner for the Reno Housing Authority. After spending a decade working in higher education, Miguel was appointed to serve as a City of Reno councilmember for Ward 3, in October 2022. Later, he would go on to win re-election in November 2024.

Housing is very near and dear to Miguel, having first grown up in a mobile home park on Kietzke Lane. He understands firsthand how having safe and stable housing is instrumental to personal growth and success. Miguel is living proof of the American Dream, having worked his way from North Valleys High School, through Truckee Meadows Community College and the University of Nevada, Reno, up to his masters in higher education from Virginia Tech.

In his leisure time, Miguel enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. They are fond of cheering on the Aces at home games and attending other community events like Food Truck Fridays. Miguel credits the community’s support for his success and is grateful to be in a position to pay it forward. As a RHA commissioner, Miguel’s insights are invaluable in being able to help citizens realize the same success he has

Mariluz Garcia

Commissioner

Mariluz Garcia grew up in rural Nevada by way of Elko up until 1998, when her pursuit of higher education brought her to the University of Nevada, Reno. Mariluz then worked her way up to earning her Ph. D. from the College of Education and Human Development. She joins the Reno Housing Authority Board of Commissioners while also serving as the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair, which she was elected to in 2022.

Mariluz’s 25-year career prior to serving as a public official, focused on service to others as both an educator and through her work with non-profits. She also has lived experience navigating the sometimes-complex social support systems, having adopted two children in Washoe County. Her work has reached many underserved corners of the community, from championing youth mental health to working with community-based cultural dance groups.

When not at work, Mariluz spends the majority of her free time outdoors with her children. They enjoy the area’s local parks, hiking trails, and are engaged in youth sports. Mariluz also takes advantage of the region’s year-round world-class outdoor recreation, being a passionate backpacker and snowboarder.

Alexis Hill

Commissioner

Alexis Hill was born in Sparks and has spent much of her career working in public policy, planning, and community development throughout Northern Nevada. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Texas A&M University and a graduate degree in public administration and policy from the University of Nevada, Reno.

In addition to her work in local government, Alexis has been involved with several nonprofit organizations, including the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and Kids & Horses, which serves children and adults with special needs. Her work has focused on strengthening communities, expanding access to services, and supporting initiatives that improve quality of life for local residents.

Alexis was elected to the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners in 2020 and recently served as chair. She also serves on the Reno Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, helping guide housing programs and policies that affect residents throughout Washoe County. Alexis believes government works best when it delivers practical solutions that improve people's daily lives.

Alexis lives in Reno with her husband, Matthew, their two children, and their dog, Eleanor Roosevelt. In her free time, she enjoys camping in the Sierra, cycling, and taking advantage of the arts, culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Truckee Meadows region unique.

Dian VanderWell

Commissioner

A lifelong Sparks resident, Dian VanderWell graduated from Reed High School and later attended Truckee Meadows Community College and the University of Nevada, Reno. Her longstanding connection to the community has shaped both her professional career and her commitment to public service.

Dian has worked in the housing industry for more than three decades. She has held a mortgage license for 35 years and a real estate license for nine years, giving her extensive knowledge of housing, homeownership, and the local real estate market.

Over the years, Dian has served on a number of local boards and committees, including the Sparks Planning Commission, Sparks Charter Committee, and the Technical Review Committee of the Washoe County Home Consortium. She currently serves as a Sparks City Councilmember and as a member of the Reno Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Her interest in public service grew from personal experiences navigating systems that affected her family and inspired her to advocate for improvements that benefit others.

When she is not serving on the board or city council, Dian enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Blake, have been married for 36 years and have three children, three grandchildren, and two rescued dogs.