Donate
Ask A VSO
Donate
Ask A VSO
NVDS logos
Facebook Linkedin X-twitter

View All Memorial Day Events and Schdules

nevada and US flags
nevada and US flags
About NDVS

Our Leadership

The Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) leadership team is dedicated to serving those who have served our nation. Comprised of experienced professionals and veterans’ advocates, the team works to develop programs, policies, and partnerships that improve the lives of Nevada’s veterans and their families. 

NDVS Leadership

Mary Devine Bio photo
Mary L. Devine

Director

ro ferrer
Ro Ferrer

Deputy Director of Benefits

Jennifer Belza-Vinuya

Deputy Director of Healthcare Services

joseph theile
Joseph Theile

Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer

terri hendry
Terri Hendry

Communications Director

blance dieket
Blanche Dieket

Human Resources Officer

brandon torres
Brandon Torres

IT Manager

State Veterans Cemeteries

chris naylor
Chris Naylor

Superintendent, Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery

jose valazquez
Jose “Gabe” Velazquez
Superintendent, Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery

State Veterans Homes

Jennifer Blanchard Bio photo
Jennifer Blanchard
Administrator – Southern Nevada State Veterans Home
Susan Magluilo Bio photo

Susan Magluilo

Executive Director – Northern Nevada State Veterans Home

Program Specialists

NDVS Nevada Department of Veterans Services logo
Ivan Martinez
Health Program Specialist- Suicide Prevention Specialist
amanda kehrer

Amanda Kehrer

Program Specialist – Education and Employment Program
zaconia turner
Zaconia Turner
Health Program Specialist- Healthcare Initiatives Specialist
Maria Mandaleni-Orozco
Homelessness Program Coordinator
samm warfel

Samm Warfel

Health Program Manager

Community Outreach

christopher miannay
Christopher Miannay
Southern Nevada Outreach Officer
cary demars
Cary DeMars
Northern Nevada Outreach Officer
jj pheonix
JJ Phoenix
Tribal Outreach Liaison

VAST/VSOs

michael sitton

Michael Sitton

Veterans Advocacy and Services Team (VAST) Manager
Mary Devine Bio photo

Mary L. Devine

Director

On March 11, 2024, Governor Joe Lombardo announced his appointment of Colonel Mary Devine to serve as the head of NDVS becoming the 17th director since the department was first established in 1943.

Devine is a 36-year career officer with the Nevada Army National Guard and most recently served as the Chief of Staff to the Adjutant General, serving directly under Maj. Gen. Ondra Berry. Prior to that role, Devine served as the Nevada National Guard’s ninth U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for six years, overseeing nearly $1 billion in federal assets. Devine also served as a Brigade Commander in the 991st Aviation Troop Command and as a Battalion Commander in the 422nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion.

Devine is engaged in the Reno-area community serving as the chair on the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra’s Board of Directors. She is also very involved in her church, Grace Church Reno.

She received a degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana and her Master’s in Military Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

Contact: ndvs-leadership@veterans.nv.gov

ro ferrer

Ro Ferrer

Deputy Director of Benefits

The NDVS Deputy Director of Benefits oversees Nevada’s two State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries. These two cemeteries are the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City and the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley. Mr. Ferrer will also manage the Department’s Veterans Advocacy Support Team (VAST), which is comprised of the Department’s statewide Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) as well as the Nevada Veterans Advocate program (NV Advocates). The NV Advocates are trained volunteers who help connect veterans, military members and their families to their earned benefits. Additionally, he will supervise the Department’s outreach team and unique veteran population programs.

Mr. Ferrer has served as a Senior Operations Manager with more than 20 years of military experience. He is a member of several military veteran organizations such as the National Guard Association of the United States and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is also a member of the Command and General Staff College Alumni Association and other college alumni associations.

Mr. Ferrer holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University, MI, a Master of Arts degree from American Military University, and a Master of Science degrees from National Defense University.

Mr. Ferrer lives in Reno with his wife, Alicia. They have two children, Amanda and Ayden. You can see Ro either out on the golf course, hiking, or traveling with his family and friends on his spare time.

Contact: ndvs-leadership@veterans.nv.gov

 

Jennifer Belza-Vinuya

Deputy Director of Healthcare Services

The NDVS Deputy Director of Healthcare Services oversees Nevada’s two State Veterans Homes and a wide range of programs and initiatives supporting the health and well-being of Nevada’s veterans and their families.

Mrs. Belza-Vinuya is a U.S. Army veteran and Registered Nurse with more than three decades of experience in skilled nursing, assisted living, rehabilitation, and hospital settings. She began her military service after graduating from high school with service in the U.S. Army Reserves’ 663 rd Engineering Company, where she served for eight years while pursuing her nursing education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and has built a distinguished healthcare career focused on quality care delivery, operational excellence and improving outcomes for those she serves.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Belza-Vinuya has served in leadership roles in both long-term care and hospital environments, including roles in nursing administration, clinical operations, and staff development.

She is a Certified Wound Care Nurse and has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing healthcare excellence and serving her community. She is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Las Vegas Citizens Academy and serves as a member of the FBI Community Engagement Council. She is currently serving as a board member of the Nevada State Board of Health and Veterans Action Foundation. She is also the Vice President of the Las Vegas nonprofit, Sing Out for Autism.

Mrs. Belza-Vinuya lives in Las Vegas with her husband, Sonny. They have two children, Ryan and Raymond. Family service, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others remain central to her personal and professional mission.

Contact: ndvs-leadership@veterans.nv.gov

joseph theile

Joseph Theile

Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer

Joseph Theile oversees the Department’s Financial Services, Grants and Contracts. He joined NDVS in October of 2015 and has more than 20 years of experience in business analytics; grant and contract management; and policy development.

Before joining NDVS Theile served as the point of contact for the Medical Marijuana Program for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and was instrumental in the creation of regulations to govern medical marijuana establishments. He was also responsible for the oversight of the application review process for the awarding of licenses to new establishments.

He also spent a little more than three years with DHHS developing and administering a comprehensive health program through a grant from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to educate healthcare providers and the public about safe injections. He was responsible for every aspect of the safe injections program also known as the “One and Only Campaign”.

Theile holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. He has more than a decade and a half of experience working with the State Legislature, including working for the Legislative Counsel Bureau as a Research Analyst giving him a unique understanding of the legislative process.

Contact: ndvs-leadership@veterans.nv.gov

terri hendry

Terri Hendry

Communications Director

MEDIA MEMBERS PLEASE CALL OR TEXT 775-771-2800

Terri Hendry joined NDVS as Communications Director in December of 2016. She has spent more than a decade in strategic communications, public relations, and public affairs for private companies, public entities, and advertising agencies.

Previously she spent more than 25 years in media, serving as a main anchor for the Reno, ABC-affiliate, KOLO-Channel 8 and as an investigative reporter at the Reno, NBC-affiliate, KRNV-Channel 4. She is an award-winning broadcaster and an inductee in Nevada’s Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

While not a veteran herself, her father and husband were combat veterans, with her father serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II and her husband serving in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Army Ranger. She enjoys writing about and sharing veteran’s stories as well as the department’s successes.

Terri received a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida with a specialty in Public Relations.

Contact: ndvs-leadership@veterans.nv.gov

 

blance dieket

Blanche Dieket

Human Resources Officer

Blanche Dieket oversees Human Resources for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. She is responsible for the management of the department’s HR systems and handling of employee relations. She ensures compliance with regulations, assesses staffing needs, hires employees, manages payroll processes, as well as supports and develops employee training and compensation plans.

Blanche has been with the State of Nevada for over 19 years, serving in a human resources capacity. She began her Human Resources career at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2003 where she spent 10 years and moved to the Department of Health and Human Services for 9 years before joining NDVS as Human Resources Officer in February of 2022. Blanche brings with her a breadth of personnel experience, and in addition, she taught English as a Second Language at Truckee Meadows Community College for 10 years.

While not from a military background, Blanche has a personal and professional background in the diplomatic field and understands military family. On a personal note, Blanche has a passion for cooking and hosting friends and family.

Blanche holds a master’s degree in Philology from Moscow State Linguistic University, Russia and a Human Resources Management Certification from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Contact: ndvs-leadership@veterans.nv.gov

 

brandon torres

Brandon Torres

IT Manager

Brandon Torres joined NDVS in 2011, becoming the agency’s IT Manager in 2021. Born in Oahu and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Brandon moved to Nevada ten years ago after accepting his first position with NDVS as an IT Technician. Over the past decade, Brandon has worked his way up from a technical position into management. In his current role, he serves as the lead for the NDVS IT team to support the completion of projects and the achievement of the department’s technology goals.

Brandon has more than twenty years of experience in various IT positions, including starting his own business in Hawaii. At NDVS, Brandon most recently provided key IT support to the Southern Veterans Home and the Southern VAST Teams serving as an IT Technician and IT Professional.

Brandon does not call his colleagues co-workers; he refers to them as family. As an NDVS leader, he brings that same energy to the entire department, doing what he can to help others and their IT needs. Currently a resident of Las Vegas, Brandon lives with his wife, two girls, a dog, and a cat. He also has a daughter in Hawaii and a grandson he’s looking forward to spoiling, every chance he gets.

Contact: torresb@veterans.nv.gov

chris naylor

Chris Naylor

Superintendent, Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Chris Naylor is the Superintendent over the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (SNVMC) in Boulder City. He manages and oversees all daily operations at the cemetery to include administration, landscaping, and burial operations. His professional work history includes business management, financial management, construction, and landscaping. Under his supervision the cemetery team has completed two major expansion projects and one renovation project. Chris and his team are very proud and honored to assist veterans and their families during a very difficult time and to provide Nevada’s Heroes with a dignified final resting place.

Being the son of a Navy and Army veteran, as well as growing up in Southern California, he spent a lot of his youth around the Coronado Naval Base, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Camp Pendleton. During Desert Storm, Chris worked as a civilian contractor for the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton. He has a great respect and admiration for the men and women of the armed forces and is privileged to be working in a position that helps to bring comfort to veterans and their families during a difficult time.

Contact: Naylorc@veterans.nv.gov

Learn More About SNVMC
jose valazquez

Jose "Gabe" Velazquez

Superintendent, Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Jose “Gabe” Velazquez, was hired at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in December 2004 as a Grounds Equipment Operator II. He quickly proved his skillset as a Grounds Supervisor and was promoted seven years later in 2011.

During his employment, Gabe has seen the cemetery go through two expansions and will see another in 2020 as the new NNVMC Superintendent.

Every day Gabe is inspired by the contact he has with veterans. Working at the cemetery provides him the opportunity to honor Nevada’s heroes in a special way. The cemetery receives compliments daily, whether on its natural beauty or appreciation for the much TLC given at the facility in tribute to those who served.

Gabe is a family man and engages his family in cemetery special events. You can see them assisting with set-up and tear-down on Memorial Day or Wreaths Across America.

In his spare time, Gabe is a great athlete and has a passion for teaching youth sports. He has been coaching softball and basketball since his daughter Nadia was 4 years old (she is now 13). He spends much of his time fundraising for their travelling softball team and is also coach to daughter Tatiana, 10 and son JJ, 7.

Although he’s a tough guy on the field, Gabe greets veterans and their families with a warm smile and compassionate demeanor.

Thank you, Gabe, for your knowledge and loyalty to Nevada’s veterans.

Contact: VelazquezJ@veterans.nv.gov

Learn More About NNVMC
Jennifer Blanchard Bio photo

Jennifer Fuller

Administrator - Southern Nevada State Veterans Home

Southern Nevada State Veterans Home (SNSVH)

Contact: blanchardj@veterans.nv.gov

Learn More About SNVMH
Susan Magluilo Bio photo

Susan Magluilo

Executive Director - Northern Nevada State Veterans Home

Susan is a dedicated healthcare leader with 26 years of experience serving residents, families, and teams in skilled nursing.  She earned her degree in Social Work from the University of Nevada Reno and began her career as a social worker in skilled nursing, where she spent eight years developing a strong foundation in resident advocacy, compassionate care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

In 2009, Susan became a licensed skilled nursing home administrator and has since dedicated her career to leading skilled nursing communities with a focus on quality, compliance, team development, and improving the resident experience.  Her background in social work continues to influence her leadership style, with an emphasis on building relationships, supporting staff, and ensuring residents receive the dignity and care they deserve.

Susan is grateful for the opportunity to now serve those who have served our country and is honored to work with Veterans.  She is passionate about creating an environment where Veterans feel respected, valued, and care for while ensuring they receive the high quality services they have earned.

Executive Director, Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH)

Contact: smagluilo@nnsvh.com

Learn More About NNVMH
NDVS Nevada Department of Veterans Services logo

Ivan Martinez

Health Program Specialist- Suicide Prevention Specialist

Suicide Prevention Information
amanda kehrer

Amanda Kehrer

Program Specialist - Education and Employment Program

Amanda Kehrer is a U.S. Navy veteran who serves as the Education and Employment Program Specialist for NDVS. She oversees the department’s programs regarding benefits and services in the areas of employment and education for Nevada’s veterans. She also conducts outreach events to support transitioning military members returning to civilian life through the department’s Nevada Veterans Transition Assistance Program (NVTAP).

Contact: kehrera@veterans.nv.gov

Education and Employment
NVTAP
zaconia turner

Zaconia Turner

Health Program Specialist- Healthcare Initiatives Specialist

Zaconia Turner is the Healthcare Program Specialist for NDVS. She oversees the department’s outreach and education regarding exposure risk and assessment. She also oversees the department’s programs aimed at supporting survivors and caregivers. Additionally, she manages the Veterans in Care (VIC) recognition program. 

Contact: turnerz@veterans.nv.gov

Health and Wellness

Maria Mandaleni-Orozco

Homelessness Program Coordinator

I was born in Athens, Greece, and came to the United States as a toddler. I settled in Las Vegas 45 years ago and have watched it grow in leaps and bounds! I graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. I am married to a Marine Corps veteran and am a mother to three fur babies and one feathered baby. We love to go hiking, fishing, and being one with nature. I have worked in the healthcare industry and in different government sectors including Welfare, Gaming Control Board, and NDVS. My passion is serving others, especially the veteran and senior populations. I love meeting people and hearing their stories. I always say, “Never judge a book by its cover” because you never know what shoes they’ve walked in. If you see me about town, please stop me and say “hello,” I would love to meet you.

Contact:
mandalenim@veterans.nv.gov

samm warfel

Samm Warfel

Health Program Manager

Samm is originally from Vallejo CA. She spent most of her formative years in Lake County before relocating to Chico in Butte County to pursue her college education. She moved to Sparks in February 2020. Professionally, she comes to us from Nevada DHHS, has worked as a prevention educator, medical assistant, health and safety supervisor, and grant writer/manager. In her free time, she stated that she has “3 dogs, a million creative and not at all chaotic hobbies that my fiancé adores”.

Samm will be leading our newly forming FRN Opioid Grant team from the Reno HQ office.

Contact:
warfels@veterans.nv.gov

christopher miannay

Christopher Miannay

Southern Nevada Outreach Officer

Christopher Miannay a U.S. Army National Guard veteran. He is the Southern Nevanda Outreach Officer whom will assist the veteran community to connect veterans to their earned benefits, and provide resources and programs avaialbe to them and their familes.

Contact:
miannayc@veterans.nv.gov

cary demars

Cary DeMars

Northern Nevada Outreach Officer

I am a proud Marine Veteran who served from 1987-1991, and in combat in Desert Storm with 1st Battalion 1st Marine Division. I have an extensive background in assisting my fellow Veterans and their families with the resources they deserve, both in the non-profit and federal government sector. I was formerly with the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System as the Outreach Specialist, which enables me to make a positive impact on our Nevada Veterans and their families as the new NDVS Outreach Officer. I have been a Nevada Realtor for the past 10 years with Chase International Real Estate, specializing in helping Veterans understand and utilize their VA Home Loan benefit. Proud Father of an amazing 17 year old daughter, Irys, who is my “WHY!”

Contact: DeMarsc@veterans.nv.gov

Connect with a VSO
jj pheonix

JJ Phoenix

Tribal Outreach Liaison

“JJ” Phoenix, retired Reno Police Officer & Nevada Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel; and former Chairman of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, and functions as an advisor to NDVS Director, Deputy Directors, and staff for all tribal veteran advocacy for Nevada Tribal Veterans and their families.

Contact:
Phoenixj@veterans.nv.gov

Connect with a VSO
michael sitton

Michael Sitton

Veterans Advocacy and Services Team (VAST) Manager

Michael Sitton is the NDVS VAST/VSO Program Manager and manages the statewide Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) and Nevada Veterans Advocate Support Team (VAST) program.

Michael was born and raised in Reno and joined the Army as an Airborne Infantryman in 2009. He was deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom where he received a Purple Heart. He hopes to use his military experience to not only connect with Nevada Veterans but to also connect them with the services and benefits they earned.

Micheal is a UNR graduate with a degree in Business Management. He enjoys spending time with his wife and his son. His hobbies include off-roading, hunting, golfing, fishing, hiking, traveling, staying active, and spending time with his family.

Contact:
sittonm@veterans.nv.gov

Connect with a VSO

How Can We Help?

Want more information on earned veterans benefits or have questions or concerns? You are in the right place! Veterans Service Officers are here to help. Please fill out the form and click “Submit." To find VSO Locations, please visit the Veterans Service Officer page.

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Have you filed a claim with the Federal VA?(Required)
NDVS (Nevada Department of Veterans Services) is currently dealing with a large number of requests.

VSO intake appointments are taking about 30–90 days to schedule. The wait time depends on which location you choose and appointment availability. If you have already submitted a request, you may need to wait longer than usual for someone to contact you. It does not necessarily mean your request has a problem, it’s primarily a notice about the current backlog.