Two Guinn appointees resign

CARSON CITY -- Dale Erquiaga, director of the state Department of Museums, Library and Arts, and Chad Wilkins, a member of Gov. Kenny Guinn's executive staff, are quitting to go into private business.

Erquiaga, who has been in his present position for six months, said today he will join R&R Partners as director of public relations within the next three to four weeks.

Wilkins, 25, who has been constituent services director since Guinn took over in January, is going to work with a land a development company in Las Vegas.

These are the first two of Guinn's appointees to depart the administration.

Erquiaga, 36, said he was approached by R&R Partners, a major advertising and public relations firm with strong political connections. It was an opportunity, Erquiaga said he could not pass up. He will divide his time between Las Vegas and Reno, where his two children live.

Prior to his present job, Erquiaga was with the Howard Hughes Corp., in Las Vegas. Before that he served as deputy secretary of state and was also in charge of elections. Among the clients of R&R are the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the state Commission on Tourism, Nevada Power Co., and Sierra Pacific Power Co.

Erquiaga said he was leaving on good terms with Guinn and may be working with the administration in the future on community service projects.

In his short tenure, Erquiaga came up with the idea of placing some of the old exhibits of the state museum into casinos and public buildings to build interest in Nevada history. He said the art exhibit by casino owner Steve Wynn showed the public's interest in this area.

Wilkins of Reno, worked on the Guinn campaign and prior to that was a member of the Senate campaign for John Ensign. As constituent services director which pays more than $40,000 a year, he worked as an ombudsman fielding calls from people who had complaints about or wanted help from state or other government agencies.

He said it's been an honor working for Guinn but could not pass up the chance in private industry with the unidentified company.

No replacements were named for either job.

archive