Richard Perkins - Service to Nevada through Legislature, Policing

A long-standing member of the Nevada State Legislature, Richard Perkins served six years as the Speaker of the Nevada Assembly, four years as the Majority Floor Leader, and two years as the Democrat Floor Leader. Richard Perkins served in the state assembly from 1992 to 2006, holding other positions, including chair of the Legislative Commission, Commerce Committee, Growth and Infrastructure Committee, and Education Committee.

Throughout his time in the Nevada Legislature, Mr. Perkins built a reputation as a bi-partisan leader, able to reach across the political divide to build consensus on critical issues. He helped guide Nevada’s $14 billion biennial budget that funded over 400 state agencies, established the Nevada State College, advocated for K-12 funding and reform, and created the Nevada Commission on Homeland Security and Nevada’s Amber Alert System.

Following his service in the state legislature, Mr. Perkins served as Police Chief of Nevada’s second-largest city, Henderson. Relying on the extensive law enforcement experience he gained before joining the state legislature, he spearheaded Henderson Police Department’s organizational planning with a $75 million budget and supervised programs for over 800 personnel. Mr. Perkins also created initiatives to bolster school and neighborhood security and led a successful campaign for national accreditation.

Mr. Perkins continues serving his state and country. He is the Nevada Homeland Security Commission commissioner and the CEO of the Business Council of Canada and Nevada. He has degrees in political science and criminal justice.