Gregory Hafen II, a dedicated public servant and business leader, traces his deep-rooted commitment to the Pahrump community back to his family’s history. His great-grandfather first explored the area in 1950, drawn by the potential for agriculture. With minimal convincing, Gregory’s grandfather moved to Pahrump in 1951, trading the dairy farm in Mesquite for a new life growing alfalfa.
“My grandfather was convinced he never wanted to milk another cow in his life,” Gregory recalled, highlighting the significant shift in their family business. The transition from dairy farming to alfalfa cultivation marked the beginning of their enduring connection to the land and community of Pahrump. With no running water, roads, or modern conveniences, the early years were challenging. “It was a whole different way of living,” Gregory recalls, highlighting the importance of resilience and hard work instilled in him by his family’s pioneering spirit. The family’s resilience and hard work laid a strong foundation for Gregory’s future endeavors.
Growing up, Gregory learned the value of perseverance from his family’s experiences. “A rough day in the office with air conditioning is nothing compared to a rough day in the field,” he says. These lessons have guided him in his various roles. His main job involves managing the family business, Pahrump Utility company, which was born out of necessity when his family decided to subdivide their ranch. This enterprise, along with land development projects, keeps him busy.
Gregory’s role extends beyond managing the family’s utility company and land development projects. As a state legislator, he finds immense satisfaction in addressing community issues and contributing to statewide improvements. “It’s a great way of giving back to the community,” he says, reflecting on his efforts to address issues ranging from highway patrol challenges to healthcare improvements. He has been instrumental in increasing funding for healthcare, particularly in mental and behavioral health, which has seen significant investment post-COVID lockdowns. “We’ve invested more money, which is going to get some federal matches, amounting to about $200 million a year,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives for Nevada’s future.
His involvement with various boards and committees, including the Southern Nevada Rural Regional Behavioral Health Board and Desert View Hospital board, underscores his dedication to public service. Gregory’s efforts have led to tangible improvements in the healthcare system, benefitting both the Pahrump community and the state at large.
Gregory’s upbringing emphasized the importance of giving back, a value he carries into his public service career. “I started on the Regional Planning Commission because I had knowledge of Nye County ordinances,” he explains. This knowledge has shaped his approach to leadership and politics. “Most of the time, everybody has the same end goal; it’s how you get there,” he says, emphasizing collaboration and consensus.
Family values play a pivotal role in Gregory’s approach to leadership and decision-making. He attributes much of his success to the collective decision-making process within his family and the lessons learned from his grandfather, father, aunt, and uncle. “You really don’t know until you get down and dirty into the real world and the real-world experiences,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge over theoretical learning.
Balancing his responsibilities as an assemblyman with family commitments requires careful time management. Gregory credits his family and staff for their support, especially during the legislative session. “I couldn’t do it without them,” he acknowledges. His family’s history of involvement in the community, from organizing the fall festival to supporting local events, continues to influence his approach to public service.
Despite his demanding schedule, Gregory ensures that his commitments to his family and community remain balanced. “I make time to be with my son and make sure that when I’m with him, I’m with him,” he shared. This commitment to family extends to instilling a strong work ethic and sense of community in his son, who often accompanies him to various community events and fundraisers. “I bring him to work and have him do tasks (like math and reading),” Gregory shares.
Reflecting on his legacy, Gregory hopes to leave behind a better world for his son. He aims to ensure that Nevada remains true to its roots while continuing to grow and improve. His dedication to public service, community involvement, and family values positions him as a cherished figure in Pahrump and a respected leader in Nevada.
“I genuinely believe that working with split government and the leadership under Governor Lombardo, we’re able to really do some good things,” he stated. With a focus on increasing school funding and investing in healthcare, Gregory remains optimistic about the future and committed to making a lasting positive impact on his community and state.
