Gina Nestande was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a BS in Education, Gina moved to Southern California and entered  the MBA program at the University of San Diego.  

In 1996, Gina moved to Palm Desert where she balanced being a homemaker and raising five children with volunteering at Sacred Heart Parish and School.  Over the next 16 years, Gina’s role at Sacred Heart grew significantly. She ultimately  served as Sacred Heart’s Development Director with responsibilities including event planning and fundraising for the school and church. 

In 2005, Gina met former Republican State Assemblyman Brian Nestande. As single parents who shared interests in politics and community service, they had a lot in common. They married and made a life together with a combined family of seven children.

In 2016, Gina decided to run for City Council as she wanted to play a role in the future of Palm Desert for its current citizens as well as the next generation. Gina was successful in her campaign and was elected to the City Council in 2016.

Gina has served on many committees, but not limited to, the Chamber of Commerce, Marketing Committee, California Association of Governments Energy & Environmental Committee, Cove Communities, Desert Sands Unified 2 x 2 Committee, the Coachella Valley Water District 2x2 Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee for Economic Development. 

As the last of  Gina’s children graduated from Sacred Heart School, she joined one of the top producing real estate teams in the Coachella Valley with their group closing over 100 transactions per year.  As a local Real Estate Broker and mother of five children, Gina realizes the importance of having a well-run City that preserves the quality of life,  property values and need for economic development that will bring good jobs for our youth.  

Education

University of Missouri – B.S. Education – 1988
University of San Diego – Studies in the Master of Business Program – 1995
Cal State University – Information Management – 1996
National University – California Teacher Credentialing Coursework – 2010/2011
Certificated in Multiple Subjects and Single Subject Social Studies
University of California – Cross cultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD) certificate – 2011

Work Experience

Development Director Sacred Heart School
Substitute Teacher Desert Sands Unified
Licensed Real Estate Broker

Volunteer Community Participation

Rotary Club of Palm Desert
Chamber of Commerce Palm Desert
Parent Board - Sacred Heart School
Volunteer Palm Desert High School
Volunteer Xavier College Prep
Former Palm Desert Youth Soccer Coach
Former YMCA Basketball Coach

Attend A Council Meeting 

Members of the public are welcome at all meetings of the City Council. Regular meetings of the Palm Desert City Council are held the second and fourth Thursdays of every month convening at 3:00 p.m. for Closed Session and at 4:00 p.m. for the Regular Session and Public Hearings. Information on how to attend or speak at a City Council meeting can be found at this link. 

Contact Council Member Nestande

Email Council Member Nestande
Phone: 760-346-0611
Fax: 760-340-0574

73510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
City Hall Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday                             
Closed major holidays