2024
Allison Leimer-Kohrt
Science Multi-Classroom Leader, P.R. Leyva
Allison holds two master’s degrees, one in Wildlife Science and one in Teaching and Learning. She served as the 4-H Agent for Eddy County for three years. Later, she worked as the Southeast Regional Interpreter for New Mexico State Parks. She transitioned into education and is now in her sixth year with Carlsbad Municipal Schools at CIS-PR Leyva. For five years, she taught science before stepping into her current role as the Science Multi-Classroom Leader at PR Leyva. Last year, she achieved National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Science. In addition to her educational responsibilities, she also coaches middle school volleyball.
She currently serves on the board of the National Junior Honor Society at PR Leyva. She is also an EF Tour leader and will lead her first international trip to Costa Rica during the upcoming spring break. Previously, she was part of a Pet Partners therapy team.
She has visited Africa twice, as well as numerous countries and locations across the U.S. She has three dogs and two cats.
Angeline Maxwell
Owner, Paradise Salon
As a resilient entrepreneur and dedicated beauty professional, Angeline has transformed her vision into reality. Within a year, she has expanded her business from a solo operation to a dynamic group of eight talented individuals. Her expertise has earned the esteemed position of Regional Educator for Bellami Extensions for Texas, New Mexico, and surrounding cities, empowering her to share knowledge and inspire others in the industry.
Her philanthropic activities have included:
- Organizing food drives and feeding the homeless.
- Supporting local schools through reading programs and donations.
- Hosting blanket, glove, and sock drives.
- Participating in Christmas celebrations downtown, offering free hot cocoa, face painting, and holiday cheer.
- Providing free haircuts to those affected by the Ruidoso tragedy.
- Supporting Keys for Kids, Denim and Diamonds, and other charitable events.
Her ultimate goal is to establish a luxury suite where individuals with social anxiety and special needs can feel comfortable and pampered.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, extreme couponing, and savoring Vietnamese food.
Ashley Kajiki
Associate Broker/Real Estate Agent, Century 21 Real Estate
Ashley has been a photographer located in Carlsbad since 2013. Before starting her photography business, she worked in an administrative role for most of her adult life. She also was on the TV Series, Breaking Bad. Having been in front of the camera during production, she decided she enjoyed being behind the camera more than in front.
She received her New Mexico real estate license in July of 2023. She is privileged to be an Associate Broker/Real Estate Agent for Century 21 Dunagan Associates.
Throughout her career, she always tried to help the community by donating sessions to local programs, such as LifeHouse and other similar local organizations.
She is a mother to three beautiful boys, who keep her busy with any free time she has. Aside from spending time with her family, she enjoys traveling and expanding her knowledge in the photography field.
Ashley Waldram
Project Manager and Lead Writer for WIPP’s Legacy TRU Waste Disposal Plan
Ashley recently developed the package to modify WIPP’s RCRA Permit to include New Shielded Containers and to revise the annual recertification audit scheduling to a graded approach. She is the project manager and lead writer for developing WIPP’s Legacy TRU Waste Disposal Plan, a new requirement of the Permit.
She was the WIPP Technical Team Lead Writer for all activities with WIPP’s Permit Negotiations and led the team responsible for implementing WIPP’s 10-year Renewal Permit. Previously, she received the NWP Salt of the Earth Award for Ownership in 2022 for efforts in WIPP’s Permit Renewal. In 2019, she was a team recipient of the Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award for permitting accomplishments.
She has always enjoyed assisting Carlsbad youth. This includes various roles as a leader, mentor, and tutor in organizations such as the Carlsbad American Little League and the Boys and Girls Club. Currently, her 5-year-old daughter has helped her realize her love for coaching and being a positive influence on young women. She takes pride in her roles as a team rep and assistant coach at Kingdom Elite Tumbling and Performance Cheer while also helping coach at Just Dance! Studio.
Dr. Avni Bhakta
Physical Therapist, Carlsbad Medical Center
Avni Bhakta is a first-generation Indian American, who pursued her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Franklin Pierce University. She has been part of the Carlsbad Medical Center family for nine years, specializing in orthopedic, spine, and sports physical therapy across the lifespan. Avni loves working with patients one-on-one to assist in returning to a pain-free, active lifestyle while focusing on healthy aging with a holistic approach to treatment. In 2024, Avni has been diligently helping to relaunch Cardiac Rehabilitation at CMC.
Avni enjoys volunteering for hospital health clinics to help bring community-wide awareness regarding the role of physical therapy in aging health.
In her personal time, she enjoys doing Pilates and spending time with her husband and children while instilling deep cultural roots, values, and identity in her children. She loves connecting with people through her cultural culinary skills. Avni truly believes food is what unites individuals, creates memories, and expresses social solidarity and unity in a subtle but powerful way.
Bo Bowen
SB Energy Services and Eddy County
For the last 16 years, Bo has worked for SB Energy Services. He currently serves as Vice President of the company. He is also an Eddy County Commissioner representing District 4, and this year, he is serving as the commission chairman as appointed by the ECBOC. His term began in 2022, with the option to run for one more term in 2026.
He currently sits on several different boards in the community, including CDOD (non-voting member), the REDA Executive Committee (board member), the LEPC Board, and the ELEA Board.
He is married to Jordan Bowen, who is also being recognized this year, and she has multiple businesses in the community as well. Together, they have two great kids, Cayden, 13, and a daughter, Carter, 8. He is an avid hunter and loves to spend time in the mountains chasing elk or deer. He also coaches youth jiu-jitsu.
He has been involved in martial arts his entire life. He began jiu-jitsu in 2017 and has developed a passion for it. In 2019, he was ranked third in the world by the IBJJF for his age division of 30–35-year-olds.
Brad Cole
Financial Advisor, BCO Wealth Management
Brad is a financial advisor at BCO Wealth Management. He attended the University of New Mexico, where he played on the men's golf team and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.B.A. in finance. He recently became a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and holds the FINRA Series 7, 65, and 63 licenses, as well as a New Mexico Life and Health Insurance license.
Outside of work, he volunteers at First Methodist Church, where he helps serve events, such as Journey on Fire and Fallapalooza, and leads small groups for the youth program. Additionally, he supports the Faith, Hope, and Love Foundation by assisting with their Dink Victorious pickleball event and Christmas Drive. He also serves as a board member of the Chamber of Commerce, where he contributes to local business and community development.
In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and pickleball. He also loves spending time with his wife and their toy poodle, Birdie, and connecting with friends and family. Additionally, he's an avid listener of podcasts and enjoys discovering new TV shows and playing Fantasy Football.
Brandy Ackland
Clinical Coordinator, Therapist, and Program Supervisor, Affirming Heart Victim Services
Brandy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Affirming Heart Victim Services, where she serves as the clinical coordinator, therapist, and program supervisor. She is dedicated to providing trauma counseling for survivors of violence as well as training the counselors of tomorrow. Her specialization includes working with individuals affected by child abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and more, all at no cost to the survivors.
Trained in EMDR and seven other trauma modalities, she has been providing services in Carlsbad since 2018. She has also had the privilege of developing several impactful programs in our community. These include the Foundry Home, Stepping Stones, and the Rise Up CIRCLE. Additionally, she trained all campuses in Carlsbad in Trauma-Sensitive Teaching methods last year and provides free mental health support to First Responders.
Her volunteer position with the New Mexico Mental Health Counseling Association is a role she cherishes.
As the mom of an FFA Officer, she loves supporting our local Carlsbad FFA Chapter. She frequently volunteers time and resources to help prepare meals and goodies for the members as they travel to competitions and events statewide. She is also an active member of the Carlsbad AAUW.
She is also a proud mom to a high school senior and married to her favorite adventure partner. When she’s not working, you’ll find her exploring new places, cooking, or visiting family.
Brittany Madrid
LifeHouse
Brittany is often the go-to person at work due to her strong problem-solving skills and organization. In her previous job, she was honored with the Team Member of the Month award, recognizing her ability to tackle challenges, streamline processes, and contribute effectively to team settings.
She has actively participated in various community service activities, including organizing and setting up Relay for Life and Breast Cancer Awareness events. She's also contributed to the oil and gas summit by distributing plates and decorating.
She has supported community events, such as trick or trunk, by handing out candy to the community. In addition to those activities, she has been involved with the community's trash pickups and provided home care assistance to the elderly. During Thanksgiving, her group distributes food baskets for people in the community who are in need for the holiday.
She loves cooking and exploring new recipes, finding joy in creating diverse dishes. Camping provides her with a peaceful retreat and a deep connection to nature. She also finds painting to be both fun and relaxing, offering a creative outlet.
Dr. Brooke Huffsmith
OB/GYN, Carlsbad Medical Center
Broke is an ABOG-certified OB/GYN. After completing her residency at Houston Methodist Hospital, she worked for five years in a small town in southern Tennessee before moving to Colorado Springs. She then came to Carlsbad Medical Center.
Brooke started volunteering at her local library when she was eight and then volunteered at a local hospital. She joined the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity in college. She has volunteered for a variety of organizations since then, including children’s literacy, art museums, and drug treatment facilities.
Brooke enjoys piano, reading, and community. She started the year by going to pastry school in Paris.
Denise Green
Training and Development Specialist, CARC
Denise graduated from New Mexico State University in May 2020 with a bachelor’s in Sociology and a minor in Psychology.
While completing her college degree, Denise assisted a child with special needs as a full-time governess. Later, in Roswell, she began working as a permanent substitute teacher in a kindergarten. These experiences deepened her desire to work with developmentally disabled students.
Her passion led to CARC, Inc., where she was offered a position as a Case Manager and Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional. She later became a Training and Development Specialist in Human Resources.
Growing up, Denise was inspired by her mother’s involvement with the Altrusa Club, an organization dedicated to literacy, education programs, and scholarships. One of her earliest volunteer efforts was assisting with the annual Winter Wonderland fundraising event, which supports Chaves County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) programs and the Artesia Children’s Advocacy Center.
As a chapter member of the Assistance League of Carlsbad, she is involved in Operation School Bell Dress Days and serves on the Denim and Diamonds Fundraising Event Committee.
When not busy working at CARC or volunteering, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, boating, hiking, and camping. She would also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge her boyfriend, Sebastian, for being an ambitious and driven individual.
Elena Ann Melvin
Math Lead Teacher, Cottonwood Elementary School
Elena began teaching at St. Edward Catholic School part-time and realized she had a love of education. She went back to school later in life and obtained a degree from NMSU.
She later applied and entered the LEAP program for her alternative teaching license. She received her master's degree in 2022 and began teaching art. Two years later, she discovered her love of second grade and is currently at Cottonwood Elementary School, where she serves as Math Team Lead.
She recently received her Level Two Professional License with endorsements in both Fine Arts and Reading and is working to finish his license leveling by the end of next year.
She has volunteered with Jonah's House Food Pantry, Backpacks for Hunger, Operation School Bell, and the PTA. She taught social-emotional lessons at Monterrey while piloting Second Step for the school.
She is active in Band Boosters and helps with Color Guard when needed. She volunteer-coached Little Cavemen Cheerleading for seven years. During her time as an art teacher, she had two afterschool programs for the Art Club, with about 30 students in each. Elena was raised by her grandparents. She lives in a pecan orchard with over 30 trees and raises chickens for fresh eggs.
Elizabeth Higgins
Office Administrator, M5 Energy
Elizabeth moved to Carlsbad in 2017. It was her 12th year of hairdressing, and she continued that until 2021. Though her passion for hair is still strong, and she maintains a small clientele, she joined MS Energy in 2023 as an office administrator and loves being a part of an amazing team.
She has been a Rotarian since 2021 and is currently the President-Elect and Scholarship Chair. She has volunteered at several local organizations and places in Carlsbad, such as the Assistance League, United Way, Lakeview, several churches for food drives, Operation Hope, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Elizabeth also enjoys spending time with friends and golfing with her LGA ladies and loves football season (HOOK EM'). Any time with family, laughing, joking, and making memories makes her heart so full. She says she owes all her love and gratitude to them and, most of all, her husband, Stephen.
Emily Cash
Owner, Zia Strong Fitness
Emily has a Master of Arts in guidance and counseling and worked for a year as a high school counselor in Louisiana. She currently serves as an independent contractor as a petroleum landman.
Emily is co-owner of Zia Strong Fitness, a CrossFit and group class facility that opened during the pandemic in 2020.
She has been a member of the Assistance League of Carlsbad since 2017 and was on the board as the property manager for one year. She was Ducky Affair Chair in 2020 and 2021 and a Denim and Diamonds Dance committee member. She says decorating Christmas trees for the tree auction is by far her favorite activity. She is also the Assistance League committee member for the newly assembled teen chapter of the Assistance League, headed by Denise Green. She has been a member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors since October 2023.
Emily also assisted with setting up and taking down Cavernfest and many other Main Street events. She enjoys crafts, florals, hiking, swimming, and spending time with her friends, among other activities.
Hannah Ornelas
Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition
Hannah works as an assistant on all programs within the Carlsbad Coalition, she teaches a life skills curriculum in both middle schools once a week, the Sources of Strength program focused on physical, emotional, and mental health, and the Teen Outreach Program at Loving High School. She also runs the youth council called “Teens in Action,” where they plan free youth events to host every month for the community, providing a safe, fun, and positive atmosphere for teens.
Hannah serves at her church, “Word of Life,” in Carlsbad weekly, whether singing/playing guitar on the worship team or taking care of the little ones in the nursery. She also enjoys helping with fundraisers for mission trips.
Hannah writes music, sings, and records it in the studio to release for others to listen to. It has always been her passion; she released her first album in 2017. She’s now releasing her newest song on all streaming platforms. She enjoys painting, reading books, and going for walks.
Hannah VanScotter
Secondary Teacher, Carlsbad Municipal Schools
Hannah is a secondary teacher at Carlsbad High School, currently in her 10th year of teaching. Over the past two years, she helped design and pilot a new Energy and Natural Resource Management Pathway for Carlsbad Municipal Schools.
Her background in Geology and experience in the oil and gas industry have significantly contributed to the development of this pathway. She is also a SkillsUSA co-advisor and PLC Facilitator and loves helping and supporting her fellow teachers.
She has taught math and science in grades seven through 12 and is an adjunct instructor at SENMC. She Is passionate about authentic and place-based learning and currently holds the position of GLOBE Teacher Leader for New Mexico. In 2022, NASA selected her as an intern.
Hannah has volunteered at the Carlsbad Museum to support community events. For three years, she was the March 4 Parks program president and helped plan and coordinate the annual event. She is married and has two daughters (ages 7 and 4). She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, being outdoors, traveling, and photography.
Jeffrey Hall
Maintenance Supervisor, Marathon Petroleum
Jeff has been with Marathon Petroleum/MPLX for nearly seven years, during which time, he has advanced to the position of maintenance supervisor based in Carlsbad. His tenure at the company began in the refinery sector, progressed through terminals, and has now evolved into a role within the midstream sector, specifically focusing on crude oil and gas operations.
He is an active participant in BEN (Black Employee Network), an employee advocacy group dedicated to promoting diversity and equity.
He has contributed to several food drives aimed at supporting those in need within his community. He has also participated in various charity activities. Additionally, he has been engaged in sports youth camps. He has also taken part in back-to-school backpack drives and numerous other charity events.
Jeff is passionate about traveling, an avid reader, and committed to mentoring youth. He has been to 42 states, as well as Indonesia, Thailand, and China. Jeff is also involved in mentoring young individuals.
J.J. Chavez
City Councilor, SIMCO
Carlsbad native J.J. Chavez said his original decision to run for Carlsbad City Council was because the community of Carlsbad has been so good to him. He was recently re-elected.
“I’m blessed and fortunate,” he said. “I’ve succeeded, and now it is my turn to give back to the community and try to make it a better place for all of us.”
J.J. is a 2004 graduate of Carlsbad High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. After college, he worked for two years as an Eddy County Sheriff’s Deputy; he also spent five years in the sheriff’s reserves. J.J. then went to work for the National Enrichment Facility near Eunice. He is currently working at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant as a radiation tech.
He said stories of his grandfather, Samuel Olguin, inspired him to develop a similar interest in local government. As an elected official, his focus has been on public safety and infrastructure. J.J. and his wife, Kim, have two children, Kaydence and Krista.
Jodi Saltzman
Accounts Payables, Carlsbad Municipal Schools
Jodi currently works for the Finance Department at the Central Office. Her supervisor, Ursulita, has helped and given her many tools to succeed. She started as a travel specialist and learned accounts receivables. She is now in accounts payables and manages this unit independently, paying and tracking the entire school district’s invoices and bills.
Jodi helps organize and run a traveling soccer team, Full Force FC. They do many things within the community, such as trash pick-up. She organizes the registrations, recruits new players, facilitates fundraisers, handles uniform ordering and team contact, and the list goes on. She loves giving back and helping this organization in many different ways. Volunteering is very important; she believes you get back what you give!
Jodi is a mother of two kids, Zhoey and Zachary. She has been married to her husband, Eric, for 19 years and counting and counting. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and dogs. They love traveling together as a family, seeing places, and having new experiences. Family time is the best.
Johnny Angelis
Security Officer, Vice President/MIS Manager, CNB Bank
Johnny has worked in the Information Technology field his entire 17-year professional career. He started work as a technology specialist for the WIPP Records Archive, transitioning into supporting the enterprise content management platform. He has served as the Vice President/MIS Manager at CNB Bank over the past nine years, recently taking on the role of security officer.
He has coached youth sports for over nine years. He served on the Shorthorn Board of Directors as well as the CHS Cheer Booster Club. He has been awarded the Eddy County CASA Volunteer of the Year. Over the past two years, he has served as a board member for Carlsbad Main Street. He and his wife, Melissa, teach 2- and 3-year-olds Sunday School at First Baptist Church.
Johnny, Melissa, and their two children, Sawyer and Thea, enjoy watching movies, listening to music, attending concerts, watching and cheering on all the Pittsburgh sports teams, and participating in various sports entertainment events.
Jordan Bowen
Co-Founder, Melluzi Academy
Jordan has been a licensed cosmetologist for 19 years and has been doing hair for much longer. She now owns the salon she grew up in, along with her mom. She has been part-owner of the salon for the last 18 years. She has a passion for what she does, and through many years in the industry, she has seen all sides of the business.
She has been fortunate to learn from great stylists and attend great schools to help really develop and hone her skills. However, she noticed Carlsbad didn’t have a school in the area that offered the same level of education she had been able to receive.
In 2022, along with her cousin, they started the Melluzi Academy. It is a cosmetology school focused on bringing new techniques, protocols, and methods to students, coupled with many years of hands-on experience with a variety of training aids.
Jordan has two great kids, Cayden, who is 13, and a daughter, Carter, who is 8. They really enjoy going to the mountains and relaxing in Mayhill.
Katelyn Morales
Owner and Operator of PJ&Bs Rio Café
Katelyn graduated with an associate’s degree in health sciences from NMSU-Las Cruces. She received a degree in Advanced Therapeutic Massage and Sports Medicine at MTTI-Las Cruces. She graduated at the top of her class with the highest honors and was a member of NHS at Southwest University.
She owns and operates two restaurants and one catering company. They sponsor athletes in football, basketball, choir, volleyball, cheer, and other sports teams. They donate food to many grieving families for funerals and wakes during their time of mourning. She also enjoys employing recovering addicts to allow them to get back on their feet.
PJ&Bs also donates to local fundraisers such as the MLK banquet, Keys for Kids, and the Assistance League. Katelyn is a mother of three beautiful girls, including one with special needs. She and her husband are avid fitness lovers and work out five times a week. She says she loves the community and admires how much support her business has received.
Kelley Granger
Dental Hygienist, Dr. McCauley DDS
Kelley graduated from dental hygiene school in 2015. After graduation, she worked at a dental office in Albuquerque before moving to Carlsbad in 2018. She currently works as a dental hygienist at Dr. McCauleys office.
From 2010-2016, Kelley coached competitive cheerleading for an All-Star gym in Albuquerque. This gave her insight into how much our youth need good role models who will point them to God. Because of this, she started leading Gods Gang Youth Girls Discipleship class every Thursday night. It’s where girls can come and learn about Jesus, who He is, and who He says they are. She also volunteers in a Wednesday night youth group. She also has the honor to help lead women’s Bible study on Monday nights, as well as help lead Bible studies at the LifeHouse on Saturdays.
She served on the board for National Little League Baseball and as a flag football “team mom.”
Kelley is a military brat who was born in New York. Her grandmother was Japanese. You will usually find her hanging out with her husband and 15-year-old son. She is a huge Alabama football fan.
Kevin Kempis
Medical Technologist, Carlsbad Medical Center
Kevin is a Medical Technologist at Carlsbad Medical Center, currently serving as the Blood Bank supervisor. He started as a laboratory generalist, specialized in microbiology, and now has the privilege of overseeing the safe and efficient management of blood products for the hospital’s transfusion services.
Kevin has improved some of the lab’s various interfaces as well as solved problems on a nearly daily basis, thus improving efficiency and the quality of the work the CMC team produces.
He was CMC’s employee of the month in February 2024, named as one among many of CMC’s healthcare heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and received special recognition in 2018 for excellence in work ethic.
He has been coordinating blood drives on behalf of CMC in partnership with Vitalant. They have doubled the site’s donor volume since he took over the blood bank in January of last year, and they continue to improve their strategy to increase Carlsbad’s contribution to keeping up with the incredible demand for blood products.
Back in 2020, he committed to growing his hair so that he could donate it to Wigs for Kids. He finally donated it this September.
Laura Hutchinson
Real Estate Agent, Enchanted Lands Homes
Throughout her 13-year tenure in real estate, Laura has maintained a strong reputation as a multimillion-dollar producer and consistently ranked among Carlsbad’s top 10 agents. Her passion lies in guiding first-time homebuyers through the process of achieving their goal of purchasing a home.
Her son’s diagnosis at 2½ years old highlighted the need for enhanced support for families with autism. She works closely with local families, offering a supportive network, encouraging inclusion, and assisting in setting goals to promote their success. For several years, she has volunteered with Special Friends Vacation Bible School to ensure that children with special needs can participate in and enjoy a Bible school experience. She has also served on the Carlsbad Board of Realtors.
Her hobbies include designing spaces, hosting events, and making spaces beautiful.
Lexie Alvarez
211 Coordinator and Social Media Manager, United Way of Eddy County
Lexie earned her associate’s degree from NMSU in 2023 and became a Youth Development Professional at the Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad. In 2023, she joined the United Way of Eddy County. There, she helps people find the resources they need and takes some stress off their shoulders. She also oversees the intake process for food distribution efforts in Carlsbad and Loving.
Lexie is a big believer that small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.
In the past, she has volunteered at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. She enjoys having a career that depends on volunteers. In her free time, Lexie loves shopping, video games, and drawing. She enjoys attending concerts with her mother as well as watching movies with her boyfriend, Dean, and their dog, Lilly.
Morgan Greer
Legal Counsel, SIMCO
Morgan graduated from Belmont University with a Juris Doctor in May of 2022. After graduation, she passed the Uniform Bar Exam and has been practicing law in Carlsbad ever since.
During law school and immediately after she was licensed to practice, she worked for her long-time mentor, Roxanne Rodriguez, at 575 Law Group. She then began working for SIMCO at WIPP in July of 2023. With SIMCO, she has had the opportunity to participate in collective bargaining negotiations and expand her knowledge of employment law. She currently serves as Legal Counsel for SIMCO.
She has been a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Carlsbad chapter for two years. She is the co-membership chair for the Carlsbad chapter. With AAUW, she helps organize events that recognize and honor women making a difference in our community.
She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite weekends are spent escaping to the Sacramento mountains with her fiancé, close friends, and family. She loves going to concerts any chance she can, especially country concerts. Lastly, she has three lovable dogs who mean the world to her and always keep life interesting.
Ricardo Venegas
Underground East Safety Coordinator, Intrepid Potash
Ricardo has worked for Intrepid Potash for 19 years. He started as a hand mucker. He held roles in production, mine power crew, and underground mine training before his current role as Underground East safety coordinator. He has lost no time due to injuries.
Ricardo coaches three sports—baseball, basketball, and flag football. He also helps out at the local food pantry. He enjoys spending time with his family and on road trips. He is an avid 49ers fan. Ricardo says safety comes first in everything he does.
Sidney Vasquez
Senior Project Control Specialist, Los Alamos Technical Associates
Sidney is currently working with Los Alamos Technical Associates (LATA) as a subcontractor to the SIMCO/WIPP project. In her time with the company, she has grown from being a cost analyst to a senior project control specialist and has been able to obtain this with the growth of her education. She has been given opportunities to attend career fairs in surrounding areas to help bring hard-working individuals to Carlsbad.
She has volunteered with SIMCO in the RiverBlitz trash pickup project and taken part in the Lion’s Club trash pickup. She has also volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club at the Gus Macker event, along with Night to Shine.
She currently holds the role of Operation School Bell Chair with the Carlsbad Assistance League. When not working, she enjoys working out and being outdoors. She also likes to spend time reading or hanging out with some of her closest friends.
Steven Gonzales
Director of Human Resources, Southeast New Mexico College
Steven is currently the director of Human Resources for Southeast New Mexico College. He administers all aspects of human resources and participates in various SENMC events, including the Employee Appreciation Banquet, Academic Kickoff Event, and the Employee of the Month committee.
Steven has over 15 years of HR experience. His educational background includes a bachelor’s and master’s in management and HR. He recently started attending classes to obtain his doctorate in HR.
He volunteers as a youth football and basketball coach for the Boys and Girls Club.
He is privileged to be married to his best friend, Victoria. They have two sons, Roman and Evan. He is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, and they enjoy attending various sporting events. Travel, church, and making memories with his family are very important to him.
Sydney Evans
Environmental Science Technician., CEHMM
Sydney has been working since she was 16. This included eight years as a technical support specialist with AT&T, where she was regularly honored for being a valuable employee. She later took a second job at a local gun range before returning to school. Sydney received a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications from the University of Florida in 2020. She then spent two years working with AmeriCorps.
This year, Sydney began working with CEHMM as an Environmental Science Technician. She enjoys hiking daily while looking for rare plants and animals and is in the process of becoming a senior field technician.
Sydney has been big on environmental cleanups throughout her life and has been active in projects such as Riverblitz and many other local cleanup activities. She has a special passion for feeding the homeless and enjoys volunteering at the Hope Center. She is also very active with the Celebrate Recovery process and is attending a missionary trip to Belize.
An avid traveler, Sydney has explored 38 states so far. She loves baking and sells her banana pudding as a fundraiser to help First Baptist Church with its mission outreach.
Traci Luebke
Safety Administrator/Coordinator, LA Services
Traci is the Safety Administrator/Coordinator at LA Services. She makes sure buses and vans comply with all the safety regulations and that drivers practice safe driving. Traci also holds safety training for multiple topics, such as first aid and forklift use. She is certified to perform fire extinguisher inspections and many other things.
Traci is the president of the Carlsbad National Little League. The group has to ensure that all the girls interested in softball are signed up, find trustworthy coaches, and train the coaches and the umpires. They also have to make sure the fields are cleaned after games, handle awards, and help families who are in need financially. She thanks her great board for doing so much. She previously served as a sponsor for Little Cavemen Cheer.
Traci is also an artist. She loves making visions come to life. She also enjoys planning parties and any other opportunity to show off her creativity.
Tara Cummings
AVP Mortgage Loan Officer, CNB Bank
After working at the hospital for nearly 15 years, Tara decided on a career change. With no banking experience, she joined CNB Bank as a mortgage admin in 2019. She has strived to learn as much as possible about the many mortgage regulations, banking systems, and processes. Tara believes buying a home should be a time of happiness and excitement. She is proud to say she accepted the AVP mortgage loan officer position before her fifth anniversary.
Tara believes she is serving her community by helping area residents get into homes in Eddy County. She always looks forward to Christmas when the bank sponsors CASA kids and has an angel tree. She practically turns into a kid while shopping for these youth. She also supports Noah’s Ark by adopting her precious fur babies from them.
In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, riding her buggy, and enjoying the New Mexico beauty. Her favorite pastime is fishing. She also enjoys traveling with her husband and attending community events.
Valeria Quezada
Communication Specialist for the City of Carlsbad
Valeria interned at the Mayor's Office with the City of Carlsbad and later worked as a receptionist and account clerk. She then served as the interim public information officer and was given the position of communication specialist.
There, she developed an interactive City newsletter that comes out monthly. She has also worked to improve the quality of graphics and social media posts the city publishes. She has been essential in planning various community events, such as the Prayer Breakfast, the 4th of July celebration, and this year's Mayor's Energy Summit.
She enjoys weightlifting, painting, creative writing, and photography in her free time.
She also volunteers at the Riverblitz cleanups, Color Runs, and other community events. Finally, she enjoys conducting Bible studies.
Veraunica Martinez
Senior Branch Office Administrator for Edward Jones
During her eight years with Edward Jones, Veraunica has served and held many leadership positions. She currently serves on the leadership team as the Culture of Compliance BOA and has been awarded a limited partnership.
She graduated with an associate's in Pre-Business and is working on her last few classes to obtain a bachelor's in Accounting.
She has donated to several Christmas anonymous organizations throughout the community, has volunteered to help P&R Enterprises, LLC, with a variety of activities, and is also supporting Ruidoso cleanup efforts.
Her favorite thing to do is to spend time with her kids and her family, especially her sister. She also loves to travel, hunt, and go camping.
Comments