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Leonardo Benavides joined 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó in June of 2024 as the Director for State Government Affairs and Community Engagement. He advocates on behalf of the University in front of state and local governments for the benefit of students, faculty, staff, and the greater 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÃâ·ÑApp community. He will also work to help advance 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó’s community engagement goals and ensure the presence of the University within the community is impactful.

Benavides earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó and his Juris Doctor from the Boyd School of Law at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó. It was through his legislative externship at Boyd that he first gained experience advocating at the Nevada Legislative Session and shaped his approach to government throughout his career.

Before joining 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÍòÄÜ¿Æ´ó, Benavides was the Government Affairs Manager at the City of North 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÃâ·ÑApp and the Government Relations Coordinator with the Clark County School District, advocating on behalf of local governments in Carson City over multiple legislative sessions. When not working, Leonardo enjoys traveling, watching movies, and walks with his family.