Trey Delap is the Executive Director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, bringing over a decade of experience in advocacy, public policy, and stakeholder engagement. Committed to addressing problem gambling, he works to strengthen collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and communities to promote responsible gambling initiatives and expand access to vital resources.

A seasoned policy strategist, Trey has been instrumental in shaping legislation and raising public awareness about mental health stigma, addiction, and opioid use harm reduction. His leadership enhances the Council’s impact by building strategic partnerships, increasing public education efforts, and ensuring sustainable support for problem gambling prevention and treatment programs.

Before joining the Council, Trey held leadership roles in government relations, nonprofit management, and behavioral health policy. His ability to navigate complex systems and foster collaboration has been key in driving meaningful progress in advancing recovery, resiliency, and community health.

Trey holds a Master of Arts in Ethics and Policy Studies and an MBA, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between social responsibility and public policy. Under his leadership, the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling remains a trusted resource for education, advocacy, and efforts to mitigate the impact of problem gambling across the state.

Ted has worked with the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling since 2011—first as a volunteer, then as a consultant, and finally as its Executive Director from 2023 to 2025. In his current role as Director of Storytelling and Development, he serves as the Council’s public spokesperson and engages with key stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels on all issues related to problem gambling. As a person in long-term recovery from a gambling problem, Ted is committed to spreading awareness of problem gambling to the people of Nevada through personal storytelling and by helping others find their own voices to help carry the message to those who may be experiencing gambling-related harm.

Ted oversees community engagement and project development activities to support successful implementation of problem gambling awareness and prevention programs throughout Nevada.

As a member of the Leadership Team for the Council’s Gambling Awareness Prevention Partnership (GAPP), Ted works with Council staff and community stakeholders to identify priorities for collaborative projects to promote community awareness and prevention of problem gambling in Nevada, including the Annual Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March and Speakers Bureau activities throughout the year.

In 2013, Ted was appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval to serve on the Nevada State Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling, where he continues to serve. In 2014 he received the prestigious Shannon L. Bybee Award for Advocacy, presented by the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling for his many volunteer efforts with the Council, the Problem Gambling Center and Lanie’s Hope.  In 2021, he was elected to the Board of Directors for the National Council on Problem Gambling and served in that role until 2024.  Prior to becoming the Council’s Executive Director in 2023, Ted served on the faculty of the Desert Research Institute of the Nevada System of Higher Education for 32 years and maintains an Emeritus Scholar position with that institution.

Laura Higuera is a psychologist from Costa Rica who moved to the United States nine years ago. She spent six years working as a casino dealer and floor supervisor, which ignited a passion in her to raise awareness about the issues surrounding gambling.

Recently, Laura began working as a Community Outreach Specialist with the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, focusing on reaching the Hispanic community. She firmly believes that spreading information and awareness about gambling problems can create a positive impact within her community. She also loves to travel, learning about different cultures and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Ryan Johns is a lifelong Nevadan and a recent graduate of Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, where he earned both a B.A. in Politics, Policy, Law, and Ethics and an M.B.A. in Public and Nonprofit Administration.

A former student-athlete, he played football at Willamette and at Liberty High School in Henderson, where his team captured the 2019–2020 Nevada State Championship. His passion for teamwork and commitment to excellence on the field have carried into his professional and community service endeavors.

As the Executive Administrative Assistant at the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, Ryan supports our Executive Director Trey in his administrative duties, as well as taking on administrative projects in all areas of the organization.

Ryan is passionate about giving back and serving the community that he grew up in, making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector. His favorite quote, “Not unto ourselves alone are we born,” by Cicero, displays this perfectly.

Lori Resco-Garcia is a Southern Nevada resident for over 31 years. Originally from the Southwest suburbs of Chicago, she brings more than 25 years of customer service expertise spanning hospitality, real estate, and management. Lori’s strong organizational skills and dedication to support will contribute significantly to the success of the Nevada Council.

With years of involvement in recovery from problem gambling, Lori is deeply passionate about raising awareness and offering support to families and individuals affected by this issue. She believes that awareness is a vital tool in helping those impacted by problem gambling to find resources, healing, and hope.

Lori has been happily married for over 26 years and is the proud mother of a daughter and grandmother to a beloved granddaughter. Her family is her greatest joy and provides her with the motivation to help others. Through her own experiences, Lori understands the profound effects problem gambling can have on families, and she hopes to share that understanding with others in Southern Nevada facing similar challenges.