Editor’s note: This story was updated after its initial publication to clarify when Cirincione’s announcement was first made.
LAS VEGAS – Damian Cirincione, executive director of the Nevada Baptist Convention since September of 2021 announced his resignation Feb. 23 in a meeting with the executive board. A letter and video were sent Feb. 27 to pastors and leaders in Nevada.
His resignation is set for “four weeks from today,” or March 31, though he vows to stay in Nevada and to be ready to assist in “a healthy transition.”
“I remain deeply committed to the health and future of the Nevada Baptist Convention,” Cirincione wrote in his letter to the executive board. “I want stability to stay in place, and my prayer is that our acceleration will not pause.”
In the video Cirincione said, “Serving as executive director of the Nevada Baptist Convention has been a gift from the Lord. Walking alongside our pastors and churches across the state has helped shape me deeply.”
He came to the state convention from a 10-year executive pastor role at Shadow Hills Church in Las Vegas, where he had served since 1996.
Cirincione in the video his office posted listed Nevada’s current attributes:
“Since starting this role in September of 2021 I’ve witnessed a stronger sense of unity across the state, pastors and leaders linking arms in evangelistic efforts, missions endeavors, discipleship has been strengthened, baptisms have been on the rise, churches being planted and affiliating with Nevada, both new and re-affiliating.
“Church renewal, revitalization and so much more, from the deficit [budget] when I first got hired to a projected 2026 that’s going to be positive,” Cirincione continued. “God has done some amazing things.”
The growing sense of unity among Nevada’s Southern Baptist churches is no accident, according to a October 2025 article in Baptist Press. Ever since Cirincione was called as executive director, he has been developing ways to draw Nevada pastors together, providing spaces where they can gather as a community while learning from and encouraging each other. This has allowed deeper friendships to be built.
The Nevada executive said he has accepted a role as the director of multiplication with the Aspire Network, a national group that focuses on pastors building relationships with their peers, leader health and church planting. Its tag line: “We exist as friends on mission to equip churches to multiply disciples, develop healthy leaders, and plant new churches.”
Cirincione said he was leaving with “a strong sense of peace; I would say a clear leading from the Holy Spirit and trust in Him. I will remain here in Nevada and will help facilitate healthy change.
“This is not goodbye,” Cirincione continued. “I will stay involved and present as the Lord allows. It’s less like leaving and more like being sent. Our missions align. I’m stepping further into what I believe God is asking of me. I go with gratitude, in unity and in obedience. Thank you for the privilege of serving alongside you. God bless you.”
Leaders across the state were united in their high praise for Cirincione.
“Damian is far and above one of the most humble, caring men I know,” said Douglas Vaughan, Sierra Baptist associational mission strategist. “One of Damian’s biggest accomplishments among our state convention is the care he’s shown to pastors and their families in their joys and their sorrows. He is a true friend to us all.
“Also, Damian has begun a vital work of directing churches toward collaboration,” Vaughan continued. “He led many of our churches to see that we truly are better together. It’s my belief that his vision for kingdom work will strengthen and grow in the days ahead. He has laid a solid foundation.”
Leo Castro is Nevada’s Hispanic Ministries director.
“Damian is a man who cares deeply about others, especially those in ministry,” Castro told Baptist Press. “He is a good friend who has your best interests at heart. He is not afraid to move as God leads, even when it may be scary. He is a man of his word and a friend you can always count on – a true rarity nowadays.
“His concern for unity among our Hispanic churches is evident,” Castro continued. “Today, Hispanic pastors in southern Nevada work together, whereas 10 years ago there was no significant unity.”
Joe Taylor, longtime pastor of South Reno (Nevada) Baptist Church, told Baptist Press Cirincione was a supportive, encouraging presence.
“He’s kept our eyes on Jesus and was the comforter we all needed. He loves the Lord and his walk with God is contagious and inspirational. He’s become a friend to all of us here in Nevada.”
Jim Disbro, in his first one-year term as president of the Nevada Baptist Convention and pastor of First Baptist Church of Battle Mountain, told Baptist Press Cirincione “embodies a diligent, humble man.
“I’ve been struck by his passion to build up the Kingdom of God by strengthening and bringing together the churches within the Nevada Baptist Convention,” Disbro said. “And to that end he has definitely left this convention stronger and more cohesive than when he found it.
“He’s following God’s lead as he moves on and we will definitely miss him, but we’re also looking forward to seeing what God does through our next executive director.”
Related posts:
Record-breaking gift to support retired Florida Baptist pastors, widows 
Gold miner’s turn to faith still stirs his son 
SBC DIGEST: Litton to address UM graduation; Ohio Baptists to sell Seneca Lake facility 
FIRST-PERSON: You may be asking 
More than 13,000 registered for Send Conference 
Ronnie Floyd Elected Executive Committee President/CEO 4 entity heads address messenger questions 
Victor Chayasirisobhon to be nominated for SBC first vice president
