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Orest Komarnyckyj, Board Member

Orest Komarnyckyj, Board Member

 

Orest Komarnyckyj DDS enjoyed a prestigious career as a periodontal regenerative surgeon moving to a new passion in June 2018. He retired after 33 years to pursue new passions. At 71 Dr. Orest has taken on a new role as a Men’s Life Coach. He lives with his wife of 31 years, Oksana an M&A advisor, and a powerful businesswoman. His status as an empty-nester with two out-of-college, employed, bad-ass daughters has left him with time and energy to share decades of successes, failures, and wisdom. He also gets satisfaction from being in Los Vaqueros and sits on the board.

Dr. Orest is not afraid to talk about uncomfortable topics In his coaching program. He has conversations with men that they would not have with anyone else.

Steven “Slip” Rueben, Board Member

Steven “Slip” Rueben, Board Member

Slip has been a part of Los Vaqueros Las Vegas (“LVLV”) since 2006 and has been on the board of LVLV since 2008 serving as Treasurer, President, Secretary, Vice President, and perennial board advisor.  Slip has chaired all of our major fundraisers over the years and has worked with all of our charitable groups over the nearly two decades of his service.

Slip is an entrepreneurial-minded and well-rounded business professional, regarded as a problem solver and an out-of-the-box thinker. Experienced in finance, business development, business operations, marketing, accounting, strategic planning, business analysis, information technology, real estate development, and project management.

He participated in equity raises for businesses in amounts ranging from $1m to $500m as well as participated in debt raises for businesses in amounts from $1m to $2.7b. He directly managed loan packages of $1m up to $165m.
He is also a patented Inventor with multiple issued technology patents by the USPTO – he has numerous transacted patents as well as many that are actively licensed.

For the last 14+ years, he has built and managed the valley’s largest golf and utility vehicle-focused business.  He has also consulted to many US and international integrated resort developers.  Working in South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Hungary, Russia, Japan, and Macau,

Slip is the proud father of two sons in college, one at UNLV and the other at UNR.  Hima and his wife of 27+ years are active members in the Southern Nevada community, donating their time and treasure to many charities.

Jeff Pero, Treasurer

Jeffery S. Pero, CPA is a 1990 cum laude graduate from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He currently serves as the family office Chief Financial Officer for Gary Ellis/Ellis Properties whose entities include Ellis Island Casino & Hotel, fifteen Village Pub locations, and various other business investments. Prior to this role he was a partner at RubinBrown, LLP/Bradshaw, Smith & Co., LLP.,  and was previously a manager with Ernst & Young, LLP in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Jeff has extensive experience in the gaming industry and has worked in various jurisdictions including Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, California, New Mexico, Illinois, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Caribbean Islands (Aruba and Puerto Rico), and Russia in addition to a major cruise line casino operation.

Jeff also has significant experience in the textile rental, real estate, health care, and professional sports industries. He has worked with clients in sizes ranging from large SEC registrants to privately held, start-up organizations.

Jeff is a licensed CPA in Pennsylvania, Nevada, California, Mississippi, New Mexico, and New Hampshire and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Nevada Society of Certified Public Accountants.  Additionally, he previously served on the Nevada State Board of Accountancy.

He is active in the community and serves on the Boards of Directors of multiple nonprofit organizations.

Paul Birch, Secretary

Paul Birch, Secretary

Raised in the Midwest, Paul moved to the Southwest part of the country after graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1994.  In 1999, Paul moved to Las Vegas to construct the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility. While constructing that project, Paul enjoyed the community and outdoor activities of the greater Las Vegas area.  After that project was completed in 2003, Paul returned to California with a desire to eventually return to the Vegas valley.  During the years away from Las Vegas, Paul deepened his appreciation for Las Vegas and its community.  In 2015, Paul’s desire to return to Las Vegas was fulfilled.

After graduating from college, Paul worked for a national construction company for 26 years.  A large part of his career was spent training and developing new employees within the company.  This training sparked a desire to mentor younger people.  It was also where Paul developed his ability to build teams to complete a project.  Paul continues to work in the construction industry as a project management consultant.  Paul has over 30 years of construction experience in water, wastewater, infrastructure, power generation, and rail transportation.

Paul believes in doing even the little things can make an impact on a community.  Paul enjoys outdoor activities and preserving the natural beauty of the Vegas valley.  Paul is known to pick up discarded trash while hiking or biking the local trails.  Paul also regularly donates blood.  In 2020, Paul joined Los Vaqueros to continue his desire to give back to the community.

Steve Roberts, 1st Vice President

Steve Roberts, 1st Vice President

Born on an army base in New Mexico, Steve has lived in Okinawa, Hawaii, and Upstate New York before settling in Las Vegas. These experiences cultivated a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and communities.

Steve spent 12 years in gaming operations, finance, and software development, gaining a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and business. Since 2000, he has worked as an independent business consultant, specializing in technology, operations, and change management. With a focus on delivering innovative solutions, SC Roberts & Associates has supported organizations from multiple industries worldwide in navigating complex challenges and achieving sustainable growth.

In addition to professional pursuits, Steve is a private pilot and proud owner of a 1967 Mooney aircraft affectionately named ‘Pickled Ginger.’ Exploring the skies of the Southwest USA has become a favorite pastime, combining a love of adventure with a passion for aviation.

A dedicated member of the Las Vegas community, Steve enjoys contributing to causes that uplift and strengthen the region.

Alex Koch – Board Member, Past President

Alex Koch – Board Member, Past President

Alex Koch Headshot

Alexander Koch is a past President, past Treasurer, and current Board Member of Los Vaqueros and has been a member of Los Vaqueros since 2011. He is excited to volunteer his time with such a great group focused on helping enrich the lives of at-risk youth in our valley.

Alex grew up on Long Island and has been in Las Vegas since 2004 when he graduated with a BS in Hotel Administration from Cornell University. Working with some of the premier gaming companies in America, Alex has worked for MGM Mirage, Golden Nugget Gaming, and Las Vegas Sands in financial and operational planning & analysis as well as mergers and acquisitions. In 2009, Alex began working for the Lee family in town, first in their Eureka Casinos operations and now running their family office and real estate companies.

Alex lives in Las Vegas with his wife, daughters, and dog. In his free time, he enjoys reading, volunteering with Cornell Alumni Associations, and traveling with his family.

Jesse Patchett, Past President

Jesse Patchett, Past President

With more than 20 years of experience providing civil engineering, planning, and design of a diverse spectrum of projects across southern Nevada, I’m excited to extend my expertise to support the Las Vegas Los Vaqueros as a board member. As part of a dynamic team, I’ve honed my skills in planning, design, and construction management, ensuring the success of complex, large-scale developments. In addition to my professional endeavors, I am passionate about giving back to my community by aiding disadvantaged youth and military families in southern Nevada. With a commitment to excellence and a drive to make a difference, I’m dedicated to leveraging my skills to positively impact the lives of those in need.

Kevin Littlejohn, President

Kevin Littlejohn, President

A Texas born native of Las Vegas for over 30 years. Kevin, a country boy out of Midland, made his way to Phoenix AZ to learn a trade 2 weeks out of high school. Once things dried up for him there; he moved to Las Vegas. Kevin did some time in the casino industry and noticed the valleys rapid growth, so he jumped into the construction side of things. He’s spent the last 25+ years building, managing, inspecting, and overseeing numerous projects in every part of the Las Vegas Valley and the surrounding cities. Taking proper care of his home and his community was instilled in him by both his father and grandfather. Kevin’s done his part through church organizations and other nonprofits wherever he places his feet. He knows it’s important to have like minds, good intentions, and the drive to carry forth positive change. Today, Kevin’s participation with Los Vaqueros helps to fulfill that duty to himself and his family infecting this community with the right stuff. 

Member Since 2017