Bailey Kennedy, LLP, a prominent Nevada law firm, recently welcomed Jarod B. Penniman as a new associate to their team. Penniman brings a wealth of experience in civil litigation, commercial litigation, appellate advocacy, and ethics and professional responsibility law. His diverse background includes representing insurers, businesses, and individuals in a wide range of legal matters, from premises liability and personal injury claims to commercial contracts and estate law.
Penniman was admitted to the State Bar of Nevada in 2022 and is also licensed to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. He graduated cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law, where he earned a spot on the Dean’s Honors List. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Chapman University, where he was a proud member of the 2019 National Championship baseball team.
Established in 2001 by managing partner John R. Bailey, Bailey Kennedy, LLP focuses on litigation, health care law, real estate law, and administrative law. The addition of Penniman to their team further strengthens the firm’s capabilities in providing top-notch legal services to their clients.
**Expanding Legal Expertise**
John Naylor and Jennifer Braster, from Naylor & Braster, Attorneys at Law, have recently been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the legal field. Both have been selected to the 2024 Mountain States Super Lawyers list as top-rated business litigation attorneys in Las Vegas. Braster received additional recognition as an honoree in the Top 100: Mountain States Super Lawyers and the Top 50: Women Mountain States Super Lawyers. Naylor and Braster’s firm has been consistently honored by Super Lawyers since its inception in 2014.
Super Lawyers, a prestigious legal evaluation resource, identifies the top 5 percent of attorneys in each state based on their areas of practice. Attorneys undergo a rigorous selection process, including peer nominations, research, and evaluation on various factors of achievement before being designated as a Super Lawyer.
Naylor, with extensive experience in commercial litigation and construction law, has represented the Air Force in government contract claims. Braster, on the other hand, has over 17 years of legal experience in Nevada and was a commercial litigator before co-founding her firm. Both Naylor and Braster’s commitment to excellence in the legal profession has earned them accolades from their peers and clients alike.
**Community Engagement and Leadership**
In addition to their professional achievements, Naylor and Braster are actively involved in the legal community. Naylor serves as the vice president of the Nevada State Bar Clients’ Security Fund Committee and is a member of the State Bar of Nevada Fee Dispute Panel. Braster, on the other hand, is a bar exam grader for the State Bar of Nevada, demonstrating her commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice.
Their dedication to serving the community extends beyond their legal practice. Naylor and Braster are engaged in various community initiatives, with Naylor contributing his expertise to the Nevada State Bar and Braster serving on the boards of Sage Collegiate Public Charter School and the Nevada State Board of Oriental Medicine.
**Nonprofit Leadership**
Bridge Counseling, a longstanding nonprofit counseling center in Southern Nevada, recently appointed Kimberlee Taggard as its new chief financial officer. With over two decades of experience in finance and accounting, Taggard brings a wealth of expertise to the organization’s financial management and strategic planning.
Taggard’s background in public accounting and her experience working with diverse clients, including small businesses and nonprofits, uniquely positions her to lead Bridge Counseling’s financial operations. As CFO, she oversees budget planning, financial reporting, grant management, and financial systems to ensure the organization’s fiscal health and sustainability.
Founded in 1971, Bridge Counseling Associates is committed to providing comprehensive counseling services to individuals, families, and groups in Southern Nevada. Taggard’s appointment as CFO reflects the organization’s continued dedication to excellence in financial stewardship and service delivery.
**Public Health Leadership**
The Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE, a key initiative supporting quality of life programs in Las Vegas, has appointed Will Rucker to its board of directors. Rucker, director of community health for Intermountain Health in Nevada, brings a wealth of experience in public health and community engagement to the Mayor’s Fund.
Rucker’s efforts to prioritize health equity and improve outcomes in Southern Nevada align with the Mayor’s Fund’s mission to enhance the well-being of Las Vegans. His background in public health research and values-based leadership will be instrumental in guiding the Mayor’s Fund’s strategic initiatives and program development.
As a Ph.D. candidate in Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Rucker’s expertise in social determinants of health will contribute valuable insights to the Mayor’s Fund’s efforts to address critical health issues in the community. His appointment underscores the Mayor’s Fund’s commitment to collaboration and innovation in improving quality of life for all residents of Las Vegas.
**Empowering Women in Construction**
Yessica Romero, safety manager at The PENTA Building Group, has been elected to the board of directors for the National Association of Women in Construction Las Vegas Chapter. The association focuses on empowering women in the construction industry through education, skills development, and networking opportunities.
Romero’s role as safety manager at PENTA, where she oversees safety compliance and program operations, equips her with valuable insights to support NAWIC’s mission. Her contributions to the board will enhance NAWIC’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity in the construction field.
By leveraging her expertise in safety management and her commitment to advancing women’s leadership in construction, Romero will play a pivotal role in shaping NAWIC’s initiatives and supporting women professionals in the industry.
In conclusion, the legal, nonprofit, public health, and construction sectors in Las Vegas are enriched by the contributions of dedicated professionals like Penniman, Naylor, Braster, Taggard, Rucker, and Romero. Their commitment to excellence, community engagement, and leadership serve as inspirations for future generations of professionals in their respective fields.
