Carlos D. Fernandez

Carlos D. Fernandez proudly serves as the representative of District 1 on the Nevada Board of Regents. A proud immigrant from Colombia and long-time Nevadan, he is committed to expanding access to higher education, advancing workforce development, and supporting the success of Nevada’s students.

Carlos graduated from Northwest Career & Technical Academy, attended the College of Southern Nevada, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). While at UNLV, he served as Student Body President, representing over 23,000 students, and successfully advocated for funding to support veteran students, the UNLV School of Medicine, and the College of Engineering. He also served as Vice Chair of the Nevada Student Alliance, collaborating with student leaders statewide to address shared challenges and opportunities.

During his time at UNLV, Carlos joined Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc., a Latino-based organization focused on academic excellence, cultural empowerment, and community service. His involvement reflects his lifelong commitment to fostering inclusion and uplifting underserved voices.

Professionally, Carlos has dedicated his career to bridging education, policy, and economic development. As Public Policy Manager for the Vegas Chamber, he worked with educators, business leaders, and policymakers to align education and workforce pathways to meet the needs of Nevada’s evolving economy. Currently, as Executive Director of the Las Vegas and Nevada Chapters of the American Institute of Architects, Carlos champions sustainability, innovation, and infrastructure development, advocating for policies that strengthen communities and support Nevada’s growth.

Beyond his professional roles, Carlos’s dedication to service includes his time as a legacy board member of the UNLV Alumni Association, where he advanced alumni engagement and student-focused initiatives, and as an active member of AIA’s National ArchiPAC, promoting the architecture profession on a national level. His participation in leadership programs such as the Vegas Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Las Vegas and the US Chamber Foundation Business Leads Fellowship reflects his commitment to cultivating strong community ties and fostering education.

As Regent, Carlos is focused on empowering students to succeed, ensuring accessible pathways to higher education, and preparing graduates to meet the challenges of an evolving workforce. His motto, “Engage, Empower, Elevate,” underscores his belief that education is a transformative tool for individuals and communities alike.

Carlos is honored to be the first Latino immigrant elected to the Nevada Board of Regents and the youngest Regent ever to serve on the Board. His vision for the future of Nevada is rooted in his personal journey and his dedication to creating equitable opportunities for all Nevadans.