Undertaking complex projects is passion of Lucia Maloney

Undertaking complex projects is passion of Lucia Maloney

Meet Lucia Maloney, a millennial of note continuing to make a name for herself by being a bridge-builder and a doer taking on tasks most would consider too complex.

Maloney is self-employed as the owner of High Sierra Creative, a consulting firm, serving as a fractional general manager where needed. She currently serves as the general manager of the Prison Preservation Society and is the volunteer president of the C-Hill Foundation. She balances her work/life as the wife and partner of Christian and the mother of 11-year-old daughter, Isla, and 8-year-old son, Austin.

A native Nevadan born in Reno, Maloney grew up in North Lake Tahoe and earned her bachelor of arts degree in legal studies from University of California, Berkeley and a master of science in community and regional planning from the University of Texas, Austin. Returning to South Lake Tahoe, she worked for the Regional Transportation Commission before being tapped to serve as the Carson City Public Works transportation manager from 2017 to 2021. During her time in this role, she secured over $21 million in federal grants for infrastructure projects.

She tried her hand at politics, campaigning unsuccessfully for city supervisor. The positive outcome, however, was that she met many people who today support her endeavors to help various non-profits which, in turn, helps the community.

Two projects of major significanceto enhance our civic pride and subsequently tourism and economic development were brought to Maloney’s attention. She believed in both.

After years of working hard to make the Nevada State Prison a bona fide historic museum and attraction, the volunteer boardof the Nevada State Preservation Society (NSPPS) hired Maloney as a part-time general manager to bring them closer to their goal of conducting regularly scheduled tours. The success of their seasonal tours encouraged the NSPPS board to offer special events such as the Halloween Haunted House and ghost tours and more which, too, are sold out. The Halloween Haunted House attracted 19,000 attendees from 45 states. Maloney is excited about the limitless possibilities to showcase the prison acknowledging “it takes more than one person to make events successful,” a shoutout to the volunteers and donors.

Under her guidance, the project attracting the most public attention is the revitalization of the iconic C-Hill Flag. Over the years, the volunteer committee never got past the talking/wishing stage until Maloney took over as volunteer president, stepping up to the plate and getting things rolling. Her “sure we can make this happen” attitude and belief in the project in addition to the volunteer committee and dedicated workers have brought the stars and stripes back to C-Hill in a newer and better version. “Everyone supported this project 100 percent and over 250 volunteers of all ages helped create the flag you see today. One volunteer begat another and with aggressive und-raising, the $40,000 needed in donations began pouring in. The in-kind donations were equally as important, especially the donation of the helicopter provided by Skydance Helicopters to lift heavy metal panels. Plus, if I believe in something, I can be a pest If someone said no, I just pestered them.”

She knows that all who participated are very proud of their community service.

Maloney gets her drive and commitment from emulating her father Jeff Lanini stating, “My father instilled in me the importance of small business and being active in my community is important.” Her family-owned small businesses and consider themselves entrepreneurs. Maloney was recognized as “Woman of Distinction” this past March by the Carson City Chamber.

The C-Hill project figuratively and literally was like climbing a major hill. The Foundation for Carson City Parks & Recreation — which was immensely helpful — and the Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space department were great partners. All the volunteers, donors, and her board will be recognized Sunday, Flag Day, beginning at 5 p.m. The celebration and rededication will take place at the trailhead at the base of C-Hill which can be found at 1499 McKay Street across from the Mormon Church. The community is invited to this joyous occasion led by a woman who felt a strong commitment to getting the project done now as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our country while continuing to remember and honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, the impetus for building the first flag dedicated in October 2001.

by Ronni Hannaman