Professional Staff

The Philanthropic Services Team

Susan Westbrook (Director of Philanthropic Services) joined the Community Foundation in 2006. Her primary role is to lead the team of foundation professionals, who serve as philanthropic counsel to our family of donors. Sue's team is also responsible for administering the granting operations of the Community Foundation. Prior to relocating to Las Vegas, she previously worked for twelve years with the United Way of York Region (Ontario, Canada), seven of which as Campaign Director. Under her leadership, the United Way's revenue and ability to distribute grants to local charities nearly doubled. In Las Vegas, Sue first spent three years promoting multiple sclerosis education and research at the National MS Society, most recently as its Division Manager. In addition to her professional work building and strengthening community, she has been an active volunteer with U.S. Vets where she taught formerly homeless veterans computer skills. If you have questions about your current fund, or would like more information about the Community Foundation's granting programs, please email Susan or call our offices.

Rachel Santos (Philanthropic Services Officer) joined our professional staff in 2007.  Rachel administers the Foundation's scholarship programs and is a prime contact for charities seeking financial assistance. Rachel also manages our Youth Philanthropy Program. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Rachel held positions in office management, social services, and teaching. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Social Policy and Planning from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Arts degree in English from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she also taught courses between 2004 and 2007. Rachel's social work experience includes assisting teen mothers in accessing community resources through the Young Parents Program, and working as a direct care counselor at Klingberg Family Centers in Connecticut. If you are an existing donor and would like to discuss the activity of your fund, or if you would like to learn more about the Community Foundation's granting programs, please email Rachel or call our offices.

Amey Esparza (Philanthropic Services Associate) joined the Nevada Community Foundation in 2008 as the Philanthropic Services Associate and is an integral part of our Philanthropic Services team. In this role, she provides critical administrative and logistical support for all of our granting and service functions. Amey holds an Associate's Degree in Cultural Anthropology from the College of Southern Nevada, and is currently studying toward her Bachelor's Degree. In her previous position as Cultural Program Coordinator for Clark County Parks and Recreation, Amey worked with many Las Vegas non-profit and charitable organizations, with a special focus on helping inner-city youth. Amey is a strong supporter of the arts in Las Vegas, and has enjoyed spending time as an assistant in several downtown galleries. If you have questions about the Nevada Community Foundation's granting programs, email Amey or call our offices.

The Finance Team

Keith Latham (Director of Finance) joined the Foundation in 2003. He is responsible for the day-to-day financial operation of this organization and oversees all of the Community Foundation's bank accounts, investment procedures, accounts receivable/payable, and human resources. Keith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Nevada, Reno. Before working for the Foundation, he was employed by the Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County as their chief financial officer. Should you have any questions about our investment policies/procedures or about another financial issue, please email Keith or call our offices.

Lindsay Cao (Finance Associate) joined the Community Foundation in 2006. She works closely with the Director of Finance and produces accurate quarterly fund statements to the management staff and the Board of Directors. In addition, Lindsay is responsible for the ongoing work related to the Employee Emergency Relief Funds that the Foundation administers on behalf of several local businesses. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, she was a staff accountant and worked for Las Vegas Tax and Finance Service Company. Lindsay studied accounting at Washington State University, Pullman. If you would like more information about a financial issue or the Foundation's Employee Assistance Funds, please email Lindsay or call our offices.

Louise Taylor (Finance Associate) rejoined our staff in 2007 almost one year after her formal retirement from the Community Foundation. Her original tenure with us lasted nearly 7 years during which she was an invaluable part of our Finance staff. The remarkable growth of the Community Foundation and Louise's tireless nature made a natural fit for her to come out of retirement (after a year of relaxation and travelling) and rejoin the professional staff. Louise is primarily responsible for providing financial services to our non-profit clients. Email Louise here.

Denise Hawkins (Executive Associate) joined the Foundation staff in 2008. In her multi-faceted role, Denise serves as the foundation's office manager & receptionist, executive assistant to the president, associate to the development director, and also serves as a part-time finance assistant, managing our corporate partnerships and special projects. Prior to joining the foundation's staff, Denise held positions as an office manager, executive assistant, and faculty assistant. She brings with her more than 15 years of experience in administration, office management, and supervisory positions with an emphasis on dedicated customer relations and team building.  She also holds an Associates Degree from Los Angeles College. If you would like to schedule a meeting with the president, or you have general management questions about the foundation, you may email Denise or call our offices to speak with her.