2025 Silver Jubilee Honorees and Keynote Speaker

It was a challenge to select the Silver Jubilee Honorees for 25th Anniversary.  So many people have contributed to the Red Rock Democratic Club over the last quarter-century.  But, these seven people were selected because they epitomize our ideals.

Shea Backus

Assemblywoman Shea Backus represents Nevada District 37.  Shea is a long-time member of the Red Rock Democratic Club as well as a strong club supporter.  She’s always available to support Democratic efforts and has opened her home as well as her heart of different events.  Shea is a constant at the Red Rock Dems monthly meetings, has been a knowledgeable guest panelist on numerous occasions, and is always a donor and supporter at our many fundraisers.  Shea is a third-generation Nevadan, a Chair of the Native American Caucus, and a 2017 Emerge graduate.  Shea is first in our club’s heart and first in the Democratic Party of Nevada.

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Steve Fernlund 

Steve Fernlund is one of the founders of the Red Rock Dems. A lifelong Democrat who moved to Las Vegas in 2001 from Minnesota, Steve was a former business operator, newspaper owner and self-described "political junkie". He joined the Red Rock Democratic Club in 2001 when the club had about 11 members. Steve served as both Vice President and later as President and was known for his ability to "bring people together and putting people to work".  Steve was the consummate organizer, whether it was recruiting members or organizing meetings that ran on time.  He always had an agenda and speakers of interest to build the club. When he left the Board, our club had grown to over 100 members.  Known as a "Rock Star throughout the Nevada Democratic Party”, he gained a reputation and had other Democrats in the state saying, "How can we do what Red Rock's doing?" 

Frank Fopiano

Frank Fopiano was born and raised in Massachusetts.  A life-long Democrat and a strong member and shop steward of the Teamsters, Frank had the pleasure of being represented in Congress by both John F. Kennedy and Tip O'Neill.  Frank moved to Las Vegas in 1991 and became a member of the Red Rock Democratic Club a year later.  As a Red Rock Board member and later as President, Frank is the earliest past President of our club who is still an active member.  When we are in need of support, Frank is always there to help out or offer advice.  We honor Frank for his many years of support of our club and the Democratic Party. 

John Hunt

John Hunt is a lifelong Democrat who moved to Nevada from Massachusetts in 1976 to attend UNLV.  He later graduated from Law School at the University of San Diego and has worked for the Nevada Gaming Commission as well as several major law firms in the Las Vegas area.  John is currently a partner in the law firm of Clark Hill.  Throughout his career, John is known for handling several high-profile legal cases that have impacted our state.  He served as the Clark County Democratic Party Chair from 2015-209 and was responsible for establishing the the process of chartering clubs and caucuses that we use today.  John has also been the Democratic candidate for Nevada State Attorney General and for District Judge. 

Dan Kruger

When I (Lani) moved to Las Vegas in 2016, I knew I had a lot of learning to do about Nevada politics.  Luckily, after joining the Red Rock Democratic Club in 2017, Dan took me under his wing.  He mentored me as a newbie Board member and introduced me to the Federal, State, County, and city leadership.  He gave me “street cred” with Democratic leaders.  You need a contact?  Dan’s got it.  You need to meet someone?  Dan knows them.  Dan knows the Democratic leaders because he IS a leader.  Dan has served the longest-term President of the club and has continued to help out in whatever role needs to be filled.  And when he tried to resign from the Board, it only lasted a few months because we sucked him back in.  Dan is the solid rock and the heart-and-soul of the Red Rock Democratic Club.  I am so proud to have him as my friend.

Nevada Democratic State Assembly Caucus

The Covid-19 pandemic was declared by over by World Health Organization in May of 2023, but it had taken its toll.  Millions of lives were lost; families were decimated.  Nevada lost millions of dollars in lost revenue as business were shuttered and public gathering stopped.  The Red Rock Democratic Club was hard hit, too.  Membership dropped sharply as meeting were moved online and people’s focus shifted.  And when we tried to revive in-person meetings in late 2023, it was a struggle.  Many venues were still closed to public gatherings and our bank balances were almost depleted.  The club knew it had to ask for help, and the Nevada State Assembly Caucus came through.  The Democratic Assembly Caucus members pooled their resources and gave the club the necessary funds to continue.  With their generous donations, we have been able to re-establish Temple Sinai as home base, rebuild our membership, and today celebrate our 25^th Anniversary.  Thank you and congratulations to the Nevada State Democratic Assembly Caucus.  

Donna West

If Dan Kruger is my mentor, Donna West is my role model.  After a few months on the Red Rock Board, I quickly learned that she knows absolutely everyone in Nevada politics and has connections I could only dream about.  She knows more about Nevada politics than absolutely anyone.  She knows what happened in the past and why things are the way they are today.  She knows winners because she is a winner.  I remember I once wondered how I might steal all of her phone contacts.  But then I realized it wouldn’t matter.  I might reach out, they ain’t answering.  Why?  Because I’m not Donna West!  Donna’s heart is generous and kind and she is the beating heart of the Nevada Democratic party.

Keynote Speaker, Congresswoman Susie Lee

Our Keynote Speaker is Congresswoman Susie Lee, who represents Nevada’s 3^rd District.  This district covers roughly the western ½ of the city of Las Vegas, and stretches South to Bullhead and west to Sandy Valley, stopping just short of Pahrump. 

Susie was born in Canton Ohio and is one of eight children.  She was educated in public schools and earned scholarships and worked her way through Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh.  She moved to Nevada in 1993 and worked in educational non-profits and founded the After School All Stars program. 

Susie was elected to congress in 2016 and has earned a reputation for bipartisanship to deliver results for Nevada’s families and seniors.  She has secured over $5.6 billion dollars for our state through grants and federal investments. 

Susie has supported the Red Rock Democratic Club for many years with sponsorships and supporting our various fundraising efforts.  I am proud to introduce Congresswoman Susie Lee as our Silver Jubilee Keynote speaker.