Local Stories

The Corner Piece Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, integrity, and selfless service help hold our community together. Like the corner pieces of a puzzle, they provide strength, direction, and a foundation for others to build upon. Whether under 40 or beyond, these individuals remind us that while every piece matters, some quietly make it possible for the entire picture to come together. Pictured are Kyle Williamson with Intrepid Potash. and Allen Perez with Carlsb

CARC INC • Has served CARC since 2019, advancing from adult services and classroom teaching to Assistant Director of the Child Development Center. • Helps lead a team focused on providing a safe, positive environment where children can learn and thrive, while supporting staff and families. • Connects children with the broader community through local events and brings a longstanding commitment to youth service, including coaching at the Boys & Girls Club.

J&J Home Care • Serves as a Home Health RN with J&J Home Care, providing skilled nursing and compassionate care to patients throughout southeastern New Mexico. • Brings experience in home health and hospice care, with expertise in chronic disease management, wound care, IV therapy, patient education, and preventing avoidable hospitalizations. • Mentors nursing students entering the healthcare workforce and has been recognized for excellence in patient care, teamwork, and serv

Xcel Energy • Serves as a Senior Engineer at Xcel Energy, specializing in distribution engineering, system protection, reliability, and electrical grid modernization. • Leads technical work that improves grid safety and resilience, including protective relay settings, fault studies, system planning, and wildfire-safe protection schemes. • Serves on the Carlsbad Soccer League Board and SENMC Board of Trustees Project Committee, supporting youth development, educational opportu

SE-NM Homeschool Hub • Helped build SE-NM Homeschool Hub into a public resource organization serving 400 students across Eddy and Lea counties. • As President, secures grants and community partnerships to provide classes, enrichment programs, and educational materials to families at no cost. • Creates sustainable programs that expand educational access while building community, support, and connection for homeschool students and parents.

CARC Inc. • Advanced from lead teacher at CARC’s Child Development Center to Director, completing the training needed to lead the department full time. • Helps lead a positive childcare culture where children feel safe and loved, teachers are supported, and families have confidence in the care provided. • Supports Carlsbad families through early childhood education and community events that connect children with first responders and other local partners.

CNB • Has spent 11 years with CNB, advancing from MIS Technician to Network Systems Officer and leading efforts to strengthen the bank’s cybersecurity and technology infrastructure. • Helped virtualize CNB’s physical servers, improve system security, and lead a major core systems conversion while also assisting customers with cybersecurity concerns. • Serves on the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad board and its HR and Safety Committee, where he is upgrading network infrastructur

Eddy County • Appointed Eddy County Facilities Director at age 29 after advancing through facilities roles; now oversees county facilities, employees, budgets, and major projects while completing her MBA. • Serves on the boards of Christmas Anonymous and Crime Stoppers and is President of Little Cavemen Cheerleading, dedicating significant time to local families, youth, and community programs. • Known for perseverance and service: she began working at 14, once held three jobs