Welcome!
Brews and Economic Views brings together academia, government, business owners, and community organizations to discuss emerging technologies and trends in Nevada’s twelve economic sectors in an informal setting that fosters discussion, emceed by CBER’s Director, Andrew Woods.
Thank you to the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance for their generous support in our 2025 Brews and Economic Views events.
Save The Date!
Trade, Tariffs and the Economy
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Location: Taps & Barrels Beerhouse
6111 S Buffalo Drive. Suite 110
Las Vegas, NV 89113
Event Panelists
William Lee, Ph.D.
Chief Economist & Executive Director
Milken Institute
William Lee is the Milken Institute’s Chief Economist and Executive Director. He leads the Institute’s efforts to promote policies to improve capital market functioning, market access, and financial stability. As Chief Economist for Global Economic Advisors, he also advises businesses and investors on strategic investment opportunities arising from economic and financial market developments. Before Milken, Dr. Lee was Managing Director and Chief US Economist for Citi, Before Citi, he was Deputy Division Chief at the International Monetary Fund, where he established its Hong Kong office, helped revise the IMF’s financial surveillance procedures, and represented the IMF from 2000-2003 in Hong Kong. He was also Mission Chief for Singapore and Deputy Division Chief on the US and German desks. Prior to the IMF, Dr. Lee was Division Chief at the Federal Reserve Bank in NY and a staff economist at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Dr. Lee holds a B.Sc. in Operations Research and a Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University.
Ian McDonough, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Chair of Economics
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Ian McDonough is an economist whose expertise covers a general view of applied microeconomics, with particular interests in food security, child health and development, education, and microeconometrics. McDonough came to UNLV in 2014 and is currently an associate professor of economics in the Lee Business School. He has taught courses and conducted research on topics including econometrics, statistics, and empirical microeconomics. He’s also an independent economic consultant. McDonough’s most recent research explores the determinants of food insecurity, the role of regional economic diversification in mediating economic shocks, the impact of terrorism on social capital, and the development of new econometric estimators.
Juanny Romero
Founder and CEO
Mothership Coffee
Juanny Romero is the founder and CEO of Mothership Coffee, a purpose-driven café brand that has become a cultural hub for community, connection, and bold ideas. Under her leadership, Mothership partners with female farmers, fosters inclusive spaces, and redefines what it means to build a business rooted in belonging. In 2024, she brought national attention to small business issues as a speaker at the Democratic National Convention and continues to advocate for equity through her role on the Nevada Commission on Minority Affairs. Juanny’s work blends entrepreneurship with social impact, showing that business can be both profitable and deeply human.
Jim Hodge
Senior Vice President – Power Sources
Lithion Battery Inc.
Jim Hodge is the Senior Vice President of Power Source at Lithion Battery Inc. Jim has direct knowledge of technologies within the following industries: Wireless telecommunications; power generation, transmission, and distribution; cryogenics, electronic packaging; residential, commercial, and industrial lighting; and energy storage. He is familiar with technologies associated with the following industries: oil exploration and drilling; cutting and abrasive tools; medical imaging; and military-related businesses. Jim is also experienced in intellectual property development and protection, marketing to government entities, proposal generation, and submission, and execution and administration of government contracts. He has extensive experience with the management of multidisciplinary teams working on time-constrained projects.
Mike Walsh
Business Unit Executive
Martin-Harris Construction
Mike Walsh is a seasoned construction executive with over 35 years of experience delivering complex healthcare and institutional projects. Throughout his career, he has successfully led major hospital expansions, occupied renovations, medical office buildings, and tenant improvements for some of the nation’s top healthcare providers. Mike is known for driving collaboration, quality, and client satisfaction at every stage of project delivery. Mike holds a Master of Science in Construction Science and Management, is a Design-Build Professional (DBIA), a LEED Accredited Professional, and maintains the ASHE Healthcare Physical Environment Worker Certification, among other healthcare and safety credentials. As Business Unit Executive for the Healthcare Group at Martin-Harris Construction, Mike leads with a focus on certainty of delivery, operational excellence, and client success. His deep technical knowledge, hands-on leadership, and commitment to safety and performance guide project teams seamlessly from preconstruction through occupancy and beyond.
Season Pass
This exclusive pass includes:
- Access to all Brews & Economic Views events in 2025, featuring timely discussions and insights from industry experts.
- Exclusive CBER merchandise to show off their love for economics and learning.
- Two drink tickets at each event.
- A guest pass for one event of your choice, so you can share the experience with a friend or colleague, and two drink tickets.
