When a leader puts the right people in the right seats, good things happen. And in Nevada, Gov. Joe Lombardo is showing he knows how to build a winning team.
One of his best moves in late 2024 was promoting Dr. Dorian Stonebarger to Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).
If you don’t know her name yet, you probably will soon. She’s got the brains, the grit, and the work ethic to make a real difference for our state.
In an era of bloated bureaucracy and political grandstanding, it’s refreshing to see a public servant who’s both competent and grounded in the real world.
A Quiet but Smart Move
This wasn’t a “lights and cameras” moment. No big press conference.
Dr. Stonebarger had already been serving as GOED’s Director of Strategy and Public Policy, earning a reputation as someone who delivers. Sometime in the fall of 2024 – by October at the latest – she quietly stepped into the Deputy Director role.
By the November 14, 2024 GOED board meeting, her new title was already listed in official records.
The promotion might not have made splashy headlines, but it was a big win for Nevada’s economic team.
From City Hall to Statewide Leadership
Before joining GOED, Dr. Stonebarger made her mark in Las Vegas city government. As Chief Policy Advisor to Mayor Pro Tem Brian Knudsen, she pushed through the city’s first affordable housing ordinance and helped move forward major transit-oriented development projects.
Her path into public service wasn’t the typical “career politician” route.
She started in the private sector as an aesthetician, volunteered at a local food bank, and rose to a leadership role at Three Square Food Bank managing childhood nutrition programs.
She’s also a small business owner. She and her husband run ReBAR and Davy’s, two popular spots in the Las Vegas Arts District.
That firsthand experience gives her a sharp understanding of the challenges small business owners face, whether it’s navigating red tape, finding workers, or keeping the lights on during tough times.
Tackling Nevada’s Big Challenges
Lombardo first brought her into GOED to manage a $200 million public-private homelessness initiative. From there, she took on broader economic development work, linking issues like housing, healthcare, and transit to long-term job growth.
She’s known for getting people from very different backgrounds – business leaders, city officials, community advocates – to pull in the same direction.
That’s not easy in today’s political climate, but it’s the kind of skill Nevada needs right now.
In Step With the Governor
Gov. Lombardo has made “get shit done” his calling card. It’s not just a slogan; it’s his standard for the people he trusts. Dr. Stonebarger’s personal motto? “Do epic shit.”
Clearly, they’re speaking the same language.
Neither has patience for endless meetings or political theater. They want action, results, and real wins for Nevadans.
Her Guiding Principles
Dr. Stonebarger’s approach boils down to three things:
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Innovation and Growth: Nevada is a place where big ideas can become reality.
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Real-World Impact: Housing, hunger, healthcare, and transit all affect the economy, so you can’t treat them separately.
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Follow-Through: Keep your word and finish the job.
She focuses on building on strengths instead of just patching weaknesses. As she puts it, “I believe I actually have the power to make a difference. I then surround myself with other delusional people and the perceived barriers start to disappear.”
Why It Matters
Economic development isn’t only about attracting big corporations. It’s about making Nevada a place where people want to live, work, and raise a family.
That takes leaders who understand the numbers and the human side of policy.
For conservatives, Lombardo’s decision to promote from within is exactly the kind of leadership we need – rewarding proven results instead of chasing outside “experts” with big résumés but no local track record.
Critics may not agree with every policy she supports, but even they’d have a hard time arguing with her results so far.
Nevada’s economic future depends on strong, capable leadership. With Lombardo’s “get shit done” drive and Stonebarger’s “do epic shit” energy, our state is in good hands.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
