Who We Are

Leadership New Mexico strengthens our state by educating and connecting diverse leaders through experiential learning.

Since 1995, we have brought together leaders from across New Mexico to learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of the people, communities, and issues that shape our state.

Through leadership programs, professional development, and meaningful connections, we equip leaders with the perspective, relationships, and practical insight to lead with impact and help build a stronger New Mexico.

IMG_9922

Our Mission

Strengthening New Mexico by educating and connecting diverse leaders through experiential learning programs and activities.

Our Vision

To be the premier organization for leadership in New Mexico through the sharing of knowledge and fostering relations that develop a community of excellence.

Our Staff

Meet the team behind Leadership New Mexico.

DiegoEspinoza2025-6

Diego Espinoza

President

Message From the President

New Mexico is a state rich in culture, resilience, and possibility. It is also a state that faces complex challenges that cannot be solved by any one sector, community, or perspective alone.

Leadership New Mexico exists to prepare leaders who are willing to seek understanding before judgment, collaboration before division, and long-term impact over short-term wins. Our work is grounded in the belief that strong leadership is built on trust, perspective, and a deep respect for the people and places that make this state unique.

Through our programs, we bring together leaders from across industries, regions, and backgrounds and place them in environments that encourage learning, listening, and honest dialogue. Participants are challenged to better understand the systems that shape New Mexico, the realities facing our communities, and the responsibility that comes with influence and decision-making.

This is not about politics or ideology. It is about stewardship. It is about preparing leaders who are thoughtful, informed, and committed to doing what is right for the long-term health of our state.

As President of Leadership New Mexico, I am honored to serve an organization that believes leadership is not defined by title, but by character, curiosity, and the willingness to show up for others. Our alumni network represents a powerful community of individuals who continue to serve with integrity, humility, and purpose.

My hope is that Leadership New Mexico will continue to be a place where leaders build perspective, strengthen relationships, and gain the clarity needed to lead with confidence and responsibility — for their organizations, their communities, and for New Mexico.

IMG_0225

Andrew Bickham-DiGregorio

Communications & Operations Manager

Sarah Resized

Sarah Chanesman

Executive Coordinator of Partnerships & Events

Our Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is made up of Leadership New Mexico alumni who continue to lead, serve, and invest in the future of our state. Together, they bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences from communities and industries across New Mexico.

Board Leadership

40

Jared Matts

Chair

Tax Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP •
Core 2017

Salazar, Louis

Louis Salazar

Past Chair

Manager, New Mexico State Government Affairs, ConocoPhillips • Connect 2012 & Core 2020

Wilcox, Denise

Denise Wilcox

Incoming Chair

VP – Human Resources & Corporate Security, New Mexico Gas Co. • Core 2024

Major, Tony

Tony Major

Treasurer

VP - Business Affairs, Eastern New Mexico University • Core 2023

41

Ekta Bhakta

Secretary

Community Relations & Charitable Giving, SIMCO • Connect 2019

Board Members

Carlo James Aragon 50x50

Carlo James Aragón

Director of Strategic Communications, Bernalillo County • LGLP 2026

Baeza 50x50

Amie Baeza

Director, Lea County Justice Services • LGLP 2023

Bischoff 50x50

Robert Bischoff

Vice President & Corporate Controller, PNM Resources, Inc. • Core 2025

 

Cheshire 50x50

Daniel Cheshire

Specialty Tax Principal, Nelson & Company CPA • Core 2015

Earls 50x50

Liz Earls

EVP - Commercial Banking Capra Bank • Connect 2012

Fajardo 50x50

Kelly Fajardo

Director of Public Relations & Government Affairs SwireCocaCola • Core 2024

 

Gallegos 50x50

Martin Gallegos

HRBP Manager, Sandia National Laboratories • Connect 2023

Garcia 50x50

Steve Garcia

Director of Business Development, HIIT Contracting • Core 2020

Gonzalez 50x50

Rafael Gonzalez

Director, Sandia National Laboratories • Core 2024

Goodson 50x50

Gena Goodson

Partner, Albuquerque the Magazine • Core 2025

Grant 50x50

Justina Grant

Founder & Principal Consultant, J Migdonia Group •
Connect 2025

Hall 50x50

Dr. Christina Hall, DC

Owner, Wishbone Chiropractic • Core 2024

42

Cristin Heyns

Principal & Practice Leader, REDW LLC • Core 2024

Teryn 50x50

Teryn Lamoreux

Operations Support Director, Jaynes Corporation •
Connect 2015 & Core 2026

Law 50x50

Dr. Michael Law, DDS

Owner, Warren & Law Dental, LLC • Core 2025

Mondragon 50x50

Paul Mondragón

President, Bank of America • Core 2009

Napier 50x50

Rebecca Napier

System VP - Finance & Administration, UNM Health Science Center • Core 2025

Nelson 50x50

Rob Nelson

Specialty Tax Principal, Nelson & Company CPA • Core 2015

Olson 50x50

Kari Olson

Partner, Spencer Fane, LLP • Core 2024

Selby 50x50

Brandi Selby

CEO & Co-Owner, American Document Services • Core 2024

Struck 50x50

Sonya Struck

Taos Community Officer, LOR Foundation • Core 2023

Taulbee 50x50

Carol Taulbee

County Treasurer, San Juan County •
LGLP 2019 & Core 2025

Weseen 50x50

Gerald Weseen

VP - Regulatory, Strategy & External,
New Mexico Gas Company • Core 2025