WHEREAS, Richard Whitley has served the State of Nevada with distinction and professional excellence for almost 30 years, working to protect the health of communities and supporting the shared goals of the state, counties, and partner agencies; and

WHEREAS, Richard began his career in state service as the senior psychologist for the Nevada Women’s Correctional Facility in 1986, moving to the Department of Health and Human Services in 1997; and

WHEREAS, as Administrator of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, he championed a family-centered workplace through the launch of the “Infant at Work” pilot program in 2009, adopted department-wide in 2016, and which continues to thrive and support countless parents and families across the agency; and

WHEREAS, Richard was appointed Director of the Department of Health and Human Services by then-Governor Brian Sandoval in 2015; reappointed to the position in 2019 by then-Governor Steve Sisolak; and again by Governor Joe Lombardo in 2023, reflecting the confidence and trust of multiple administrations; and

WHEREAS, throughout his tenure as Director, Richard has worked to ensure the most vulnerable Nevadans have access to services and support, and in 2016 the Targeted Outreach Partnerships were created in the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services to out-station staff in community locations such as libraries, hospitals, correctional facilities and partner agencies to help individuals enroll in safety net programs; and

WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Richard worked tirelessly to protect the health of the citizens and visitors to the state, collaborating with partner agencies on innovative ideas, including assisting the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation to process more than half a million unemployment claims; and

WHEREAS, Richard has been a champion for those served by the programs within the department, always working to do the right thing for the people of Nevada who rely on the safety net services of the agency; with a specific focus on children and families, looking for opportunities to move families out of poverty and to ensure babies are born healthy; and

WHEREAS, Richard has provided opportunities for many staff members to excel in their careers, providing guidance and mentorship, while also trusting staff to develop their skills and leadership style; and he has been an invaluable leader to the people of Nevada, the agencies he has worked for, and those who regularly sought his opinions and insight; and

WHEREAS, upon his retirement, Richard will leave behind contributions that will shape the state for years to come, and the State of Nevada joins with colleagues, partners, and the community in expressing sincere appreciation for his years of service to the Silver State, with best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2025, as a day in honor of

RICHARD WHITLEY