Mr. Wayne Tanaka was born in Lahaina, Maui . He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah, and Master of Education degree in Education Administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Mr. Tanaka began his career in Clark County as a teacher at Bridger Junior High School. He later served as dean of students at Bonanza High School, an assistant principal at Kenny Guinn Junior High School, and principal at Sunset High School, Robison Junior High School, and Clark High School. Throughout his 28 years as an educator in the District, Mr. Tanaka received numerous awards for his commitment to provide innovative ideas to increase student achievement. Furthermore, Mr. Tanaka was successful in creating partnerships with the business community to enhance and supplement programs to benefit his schools. His awards include induction into Clark County School District's Excellence in Education Hall of Fame, Community Achievement Award in Education presented by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Nevada Principal of the Year, Principals of Leadership Award sponsored by National School Safety Center, and the Nevada Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. 

After retirement from the school district in 2001, Mr. Tanaka assisted with the opening of several charter schools in the Las Vegas valley. Additionally as Nevada's first Honorary Consul General of Japan appointed by the Japanese government, Mr. Tanaka served as the liaison for the San Francisco Consulate in Las Vegas for five years. Today, Mr. Tanaka volunteers his services to community organizations and is the proud grandpa to his first grandchild, Bode.