Meet Our Executive TeaM
Ashok "Ash" Mirchandani
Ash Mirchandani is a visionary leader who founded Kaizen Strategies. Ash has more than two decades of experience in business, finance, marketing and government. He is the former Deputy Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, where he had oversight of numerous programs including small business advocacy and development, as well as housing, business-related policies, public financing, regulatory reform, community and business outreach, constituent services, bond programs, and new market tax credits.
Prior to his appointment as Deputy Director, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of Workforce Connections managing multi-million dollar budgets in support of workforce development programs. Before joining Workforce Connections, he served as assistant to the Director at the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR), Nevada’s federally funded workforce development agency and Governor’s cabinet-level organization.
Ash has a B.S. in Business Administration from Calcutta University in India and an M.B.A. in Finance from Newport University. He is a Nevada State Certified Public Manager, as well as an Oracle Certified Consultant. Ash has extensive experience in government relations, public policy, regulatory compliance and rule-making. Ash has received many awards and honors, such as the Gold Medal in Chartered Financial Analyst Group Exams, the Excellence Award from the Nevada Department of Business & Industry, the Nevada Trailblazer Award from the Minorities Suppliers Development Corporation, the Prominent Asian Award –CANDO and was also selected by Governor Brian Sandoval for recognition for his work at Nevada Business and Industry.
Active in the community, Ash has been involved on many boards and committees related to social services, finance, education, and health care. He is the founding President of the Asian Political Alliance and is the founding Chairman of United Citizens Foundation. He previously served as the Vice Chair of the Hospital Advisory Board at UMC, Director of Home Means Nevada Inc., and the public employees benefit board.
John Wickett
John is a 3rd generation Las Vegas native with deep roots in the community. After graduating from Rancho High School, he attended UNLV and Claremont McKenna College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with an emphasis on Economics. Additionally, John has 23 years of experience in construction management and sales.
During the height of the housing boom of the mid 2000s, John foresaw the coming recession and the impact it would have on construction in Nevada. Therefore, while working 50 hours per week, he went back to school and earned his juris doctorate degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law. John has been a practicing attorney since 2009, and is a managing partner in the law firm of Vegas Valley Law LLC.
When not working, John enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, and fencing.During the Great Recession, John was a regional manager of one of the largest subcontracting firms in the western United States. As other companies were closing their doors, he utilized his business acumen and creative problem solving skills to grow the business, while simultaneously attending law school.
As an attorney, he specializes in Civil Litigation, Construction, and Administrative Law, and has tried numerous cases in the Clark County District and Las Vegas Justice Courts. John serves as a board member for United Citizens Foundation, and provides sales and leadership training to local businesses.
Rahul Sodhi
Rahul Sodhi has a Master of Laws degree with a special emphasis on Gaming Law. He has a deep understanding of gaming law and regulations; particularly licensing requirements. He is an excellent professional strategist, who can help clients obtain licensure and execute long-range business plans that will maximize their chances to be successful and profitable for many years. Rahul has a broad range of experience in international business, giving him tremendous expertise in the fields of international law, economics, public policy, and politics.