Meet the Team

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Jaime Cruz

Executive Director

Jaime Cruz serves as Executive Director for Workforce Connections, Southern Nevada’s Local Workforce Development Board.  Prior to his appointment as Executive Director in October 2017, Cruz served as Chief Strategy Officer for eight years and was instrumental in partnering with local libraries to expand WIOA driven workforce programs.

Cruz understands first hand the barriers many face when trying to improve their careers.  As a young man who immigrated to the United States, Cruz initially worked as a dish washer despite a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Escuela Nacional De Marina Mercante in Lima, Peru. By improving his command of the English language and capitalizing on the growth opportunities he was presented, Cruz was able to successfully return to the engineering field and later transition to the public sector.

Prior to his career at Workforce Connections, Cruz worked on sustainability initiatives for major hotel casino companies in Las Vegas, including overseeing the development and implementation of the energy management and building automation systems at MGM Resorts International’s CityCenter.   He is recognized as a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Sustainable Development Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers, as well as a Certified Public Manager by the State of Nevada.

Cruz became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1994 and has lived in Southern Nevada for thirty years.  He is the proud father of two children, Samuel and Sofia.

Irene Bustamante Adams

Deputy Director & Chief Strategy Officer

Irene Bustamante Adams, the Deputy Director & Chief Strategy Officer for Workforce Connections, stands out as a dynamic and transformational leader in Southern Nevada’s Local Workforce Development Board. Her remarkable journey is adorned with prestigious recognitions, including the title of “National Trailblazer” by Emerge America and the esteemed “Women Inspiring Nevada” accolade by Vegas Inc.

With a rich background at MGM Resorts International, where she ascended from clerk to a corporate position over 18 years, Bustamante Adams has demonstrated resilience and excellence. She repeatedly assisted in creating and executing national award-winning programs for the organization. Her dedication to public service led her to represent District 42 in the Nevada Assembly from 2010 to 2018, culminating in her role as Speaker Pro Tempore.
Hailing from the framing community of Kerman, California, Bustamante Adams overcame humble beginning by waking before dawn to work in agricultural fields alongside her siblings. As the first in her family to attend and graduate college, each earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from California State University, Fresno. In 2007, Bustamante Adams became the first Latina in Nevada history to earn an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree from UNLV.

In 2025, Bustamante Adams added another significant achievement to her portfolio by securing a position on the Clark County School Board, a remarkable feat in the fifth-largest school district in the nation with over 300,000 students. Her colleagues recognized her leadership qualities, electing her as the President of the Board. This accomplishment was complemented by her selection as President-elect of the Nevada Association of School Boards by her peers.

Her personal life is as fulfilling as her professional one – married to Army Sergeant Brad Adams, she is the proud mother of two daughters, Olivia, and Alaina, and recently welcomed her first grandchild. Irene Bustamante Adams continues to inspire and impact both her community and family with her unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions.

James (Jim) Kostecki

Chief Financial Officer

James (Jim) Kostecki serves as Chief Financial Officer for Workforce Connections (Southern Nevada Workforce Development Board). His areas of responsibility include direct oversight of federal agency funding under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA)/Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Jim is also charged with providing oversight of the operations budget for the agency as well as resource funds placed within the community. Additional responsibilities include procurement, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash management, among others.

Prior to his assignment with Workforce Connections, Jim served as a finance analyst for the City of North Las Vegas, where he oversaw the Finance Department areas including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and grant accounting.

Jim is a licensed Certified Public Account and graduated from Illinois State University in May, 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Jim has served in various managerial accounting positions for manufacturing companies prior to moving to Las Vegas in early 2007 from the Chicago Suburbs.

Dr. Ricardo Villalobos

Chief Programs Officer

Dr. Ricardo Villalobos currently serves as the Chief Programs Officer for Workforce Connections, Southern Nevada’s Local Workforce Development Board, which oversees WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Workers, and Youth Programs. Dr. Villalobos received a Bachelor of Science degree from BIOLA University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of San Diego.

In 2017, he graduated with a Ph.D. in Workforce Development from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, and a proud father of two sons, Ricardo A. Villalobos and Daniel P. Villalobos.

Jan Pieri

Senior Human Resources Consultant

Jan Pieri, Senior Human Resources Consultant with Prism Global Management Group, LLC. Jan has over 20 years of Human Resources experience; her expertise includes recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, training and development, OSHA compliance and workers’ compensation. She has provided Human Resources services to a wide variety of industries including a Fortune 500 telecommunications company, construction, economic development, non-profit, and government agencies.

Jan holds a degree in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University and is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Southern Nevada Society of Human Resource (SNVSHRM) organizations.

Suzanne Benson

Executive Assistant

Suzanne Benson joined the Workforce Connections team in September 2009 and serves as the Executive Assistant to Jaime Cruz, Executive Director. Before joining Workforce Connections, Suzanne worked for a non-profit WIOA Title I adult and youth service provider.

Suzanne received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Management from the University of Phoenix and is a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP).

Suzanne is originally from the beautiful city of Santa Barbara, CA, and relocated to Las Vegas in 1995, where she lives happily with her husband, Sarge, and two Cavadoodle, Oliver and Penelope.

Brett Miller

Strategic Analysis Manager

Brett Miller is the Strategic Analysis Manger at Workforce Connections.  He joined Workforce Connections in 2013 and has 20 years of analysis experience in the private and public sector. Previously, Brett held positions in the casino industry ranging from casino accounting auditor to director of financial planning at the Mirage.

Passionate about data and analysis, he enjoys using his skills to answer questions and improve systems.

Brett received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kansas in 1999.

Cecil Fielder

Strategic Initiatives Manager

Cecil Fielder previously served as the Assistant General Manager for Keolis Las Vegas – operations. With over 30 years of experience in transportation, he was directly responsible for overseeing all transit operations for Keolis Las Vegas. Before joining Keolis, Cecil held the professional position as the Area Safety, Training & Security Manager for Veolia Transportations Fixed-Route Transit Systems in Downtown Los Angeles. Cecil has led over 700 employees (union and non-union). He was also responsible for the annual operating budget and oversite of safety, training, transit, and security systems, including Bus Operation Control, Supervisor Investigation, Drug and Alcohol Compliance, Transit Security, and Facility Compliance.

Cecil’s professional transportation career began with the family-owned business, a boutique limousine company in Beverly Hills, California, where he served as the Operations Manager. Cecil ensured safe and efficient transportation of the company’s A-list clientele.

In May 2023, Cecil joined the Workforce Connections team of Southern Nevada. Cecil strongly believes in community development and workforce development. Cecil formerly served the Workforce Connections Board as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Workforce Connections Program Committee. He also served on the Governors Workforce Development Board (GWDB) for the State of Nevada.

Malik M.L. Williams

Program Manager

Malik M.L. Williams is a Program Manager at Workforce Connections, where he oversees WIOA Title I service provider contracts and supports the effective implementation of workforce programs across the system. His responsibilities include providing guidance, support, and oversight to ensure high-quality program delivery, as well as delivering training and technical assistance to service providers. He also leads the Southern Nevada ACT Work Ready Communities initiative and previously managed the agency’s One-Stop Operator contract and system integration efforts.

Known for his curiosity and love of lifelong learning, Malik brings a well-rounded perspective to workforce development. His background spans higher education, local and federal government, public health education, and hospitality. He is a skilled presenter, facilitator, and public speaker, having earned the title of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).

Malik holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Education in Learning & Technology from Western Governors University. He is also a Certified Program Planner (CPP), Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP), and Certified SWOT Analysis Specialist.

Bryan Bullard

Special Projects Manager

Bryan Bullard brings more than 25 years of technology and software development leadership experience to Southern Nevada’s workforce development community. Over the course of his career, he built and led global software development teams of up to 80 professionals across multiple countries, hiring nearly 200 individuals and developing high-performing, scalable organizations. After his son graduated from college, Bryan made a purposeful career transition to apply his skills in a role focused on service, impact, and community benefit.

At Workforce Connections, Bryan serves as Special Projects Manager, overseeing the One-Stop Operator function for Southern Nevada’s EmployNV American Job Centers and coordinating business services across multiple partner agencies. He brings a fresh perspective to workforce development, applying systems thinking, strategic planning, and human-centered design to ensure job seekers and employers remain at the center of EmployNV’s services. His collaborative approach emphasizes listening first and translating stakeholder insights into practical, community-focused solutions.

Outside of work, Bryan enjoys biking and hiking throughout the Southwest and is a licensed private pilot.

Dale R Baca​​​​

Executive Assistant

Coming Soon

Celia Rouse

Project Coordinator

Celia Rouse is a Project Coordinator with over 15 years of experience supporting complex initiatives across workforce development, public service, and organizational operations. She is known for her detail-oriented, organized approach and for being someone teams can rely on to keep projects on track and moving forward.

At Workforce Connections, Celia supports program coordination, process documentation, and stakeholder communication. Her work focuses on improving workflows, maintaining accurate documentation, and supporting compliance and operational needs. She values clear communication, accountability, and teamwork, and enjoys collaborating with others to support programs that serve the community.

Celia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, cum laude, from Fresno Pacific University, and an MBA from Western Governors University. She is currently completing her MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. She is a U.S. Army veteran, holds the Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential, and is fluent in English, conversational in Spanish, and knowledgeable in American Sign Language.

Vicky Chavez

Financial Analyst II

Vicky Chavez has held multiple roles at Workforce Connections since 2013 and currently serves as an Accounting Technician II. In this role, she provides essential administrative support to the Accounting Department by assisting with day-to-day financial operations, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring the timely processing of accounting transactions. Her position requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage confidential financial information. Vicky maintains strong communication with training partners, service providers, and internal staff, and actively promotes streamlined processes and efficient workflow management.

Vicky earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2008 and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Outside of work, she enjoys supporting her sons in their sports activities, spending time outdoors, and staying active as an avid fitness enthusiast.

Marilyn Mireles

Senior Financial Analyst

Marilyn Mireles serves as one of the Senior Financial Analysts for Workforce Connections (Southern Nevada Workforce Development Board). Her areas of responsibility include grant management (federal and non-federal funding), monitoring, procurement, reporting and annual accounting reconciliations and schedules.

Marilyn came to Workforce Connections, having served as a Budget Analyst for an International Non-Governmental Agency in support of the Business Development division. She also served as a Finance Director of a nonprofit agency in Southern Nevada for 13 years that was a direct recipient of WIOA grant funds passed through from Workforce Connections.

Marilyn is a Las Vegas native and graduate of UNLV with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration for Accounting and is currently working towards completing her CPA licensure.

Tom Dang

IT Analyst

Check back soon.

Sydnee House

Executive Assistant

Sydnee House joined Workforce Connections in October 2024 and serves as Executive Assistant to Dr. Ricardo Villalobos, Chief Programs Officer. With more than 15 years of administrative experience, Sydnee supports leadership and complex initiatives through strong systems, clear communication, and thoughtful coordination.

A Las Vegas native and proud graduate of Arbor View High School; Sydnee brings deep local roots and institutional awareness to her role. She is known for her service-oriented mindset and operational excellence, guided by the belief that when leaders are well supported, organizations are better positioned to serve their communities. This philosophy is reflected in her guiding principle, inspired by Muhammad Ali: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.”

Sydnee’s personal life mirrors her professional values. She is a devoted wife to Clinton House, Jr. and a loving parent to Asa and Adonias. Together with her family, she remains committed to community service and mentorship.

Noreen Defa

Program Manager

Noreen is a Program Manager at Workforce Connections, where she works closely with WIOA Title I service providers to support effective workforce program operations across the system. She provides guidance, oversight, and hands-on training and technical assistance to promote high-quality service delivery.

A Utah transplant, Noreen, brings more than 20 years of experience managing operations in patient-centered medical offices. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University.

Outside of work, Noreen is a proud parent of six and enjoys music, caring for plants, and cheering on her very sports-oriented family.

Kim Jones

Project Coordinator

Kimberly Jones is a Project Coordinator at Workforce Connections, where she supports the oversight of WIOA Title I service provider contracts and assists with program implementation. Her responsibilities include providing technical support to Program Managers for WIOA Title I and special grant projects to ensure effective program delivery. She also plays a key role in training new and temporary staff on program processes and procedures.

Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys reading, shopping, and binge-watching her favorite television shows.

Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration in Management from Roosevelt University. She is a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP), Certified Career Services Provider, Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), and has completed the Google Project Management Certification through Google.

Emilio Pias, CWDP

Quality Assurance Manager

Emilio Pias is a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) with more than 18 years of experience in workforce development services and program administration. As Quality Assurance Manager, Emilio is a management-skilled and fiscally responsible professional who serves as a trusted resource to executive leadership, advising on operational effectiveness, organizational priorities, and regulatory compliance.

He possesses extensive knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), U.S. Department of Labor / ETA regulations, Equal Opportunity and ADA requirements, Uniform Administrative Requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards. Emilio also brings deep expertise in procurement, acquisition, and contracting laws, ensuring adherence to applicable principles, methodologies, and best practices.

Emilio is a Certified Contract Manager for the State of Nevada, with proven proficiency in contract development, administration, monitoring, and compliance. In his role, he supports strong internal controls, continuous quality improvement, and responsible stewardship of public funds across workforce programs and initiatives.

Leilani Tuinei

Project Coordinator

Check back soon.

Duane Thomas

Senior Financial Analyst

Duane Thomas is a Senior Financial Analyst at Workforce Connections, where he provides advanced financial analysis and strategic fiscal support related to WIOA grant funding and other public funding sources. His responsibilities include financial modeling, budget development and forecasting, variance analysis, and monitoring expenditures to ensure compliance with WIOA regulations and funding requirements. He also supports funding allocation decisions, evaluates financial impacts of program initiatives, and collaborates with program and leadership teams to promote fiscal sustainability and accountability.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Finance at the University of Arizona. His professional interests include financial modeling, valuation, and investment analysis.

Duane values family and community engagement and considers foster parenting to be one of the most meaningful and impactful experiences of his life.

Ciro Cerecedo

Facilities Maintenance Technician

Check back soon.

Chuck Butler

Special Projects Manager

Chuck Butler is a Special Projects Manager at Workforce Connections, where he leads cross-functional initiatives focused on process improvement, system alignment, and operational effectiveness across workforce programs and partnerships. His work includes developing decision-support frameworks, improving internal workflows, and supporting leadership with data-informed tools that strengthen consistency and outcomes across the system.

Coming from a background in live event operations, Chuck brings a strong execution mindset shaped by high-pressure, deadline-driven environments where coordination, accountability, and customer experience are critical. He applies this operational discipline to workforce development, helping teams design scalable systems that perform reliably at scale.

Chuck holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and is an ASQ-certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. He is passionate about building clear, practical systems that support both organizational performance and positive participant outcomes.