Meet Our Staff
New Mexico Community Foundation (NMCF) is home to a team of talented, dedicated professionals who provide a variety of programmatic, financial, development, environmental and other expertise. Their multicultural experience and widespread knowledge of New Mexico enables NMCF to build strong relationships and steward community resources statewide.
Here’s what our staff members have to say about their work at NMCF and their love for New Mexico. Contact our staff anytime for more information about NMCF.
Remona Benally
Development Assistant
What do you do at NMCF?
As the Development Assistant, I work closely with all departments of NMCF, key consultants, donors and volunteers in support of a comprehensive fund development program and provide general office support for the small Albuquerque team.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
I like building things with my own hands. I would like to make wood furniture–like tables, chairs, benches and shelves–that are inspired by Navajo designs and storytelling of family history.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
What inspires me the most about New Mexico are the landscapes, my family, the culture and the food!
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
Just being a part of a foundation that envisions a better community for New Mexico is rewarding. I am fairly new to NMCF and I am learning so much about the importance of community enrichment and relationships.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
“Be true to yourself.”
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” – Chinese proverb.
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
I’ve got to say Christmas! I prefer both.
Anna Carvlin
Database and Gift Processing Specialist
What do you do at NMCF?
I am the Database and Gift Processing Specialist. My primary job is to enter gifts into our Raiser’s Edge donor database and ensure that the organization maintains proper correspondence with supporters of NMCF and its partner organizations.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
I’ve always admired and envied people who work with animals on a daily basis. I initially began a university career in biology because I wanted to be a veterinarian. Now I think I’d like to spend a year near Australia as a marine biologist specializing in whales.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
What inspires me about New Mexico is the vastness of the landscape, the clarity of mind that I experience while living here, and the infinite potential for this state to keep growing and doing more for its people.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
I had the opportunity to meet all of the people involved with NMCF in my first three days on the job at the staff and board retreat. The retreat was both memorable and highly educational and the people I work with are truly inspiring.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Your reach should always extend beyond your true capacity and then you’ll never know your limits.
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
Christmas (both red and green)…unless a restaurant is known for one or the other!
Paula Doane
NMCF Grants and Program Assistant
What do you do at NMCF?
My title is Grants and Program Assistant. I assist with the processing of all grants. I keep grantee organization files updated, both physical and electronic.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
Fine art printmaking.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
The clear sky—always changing, always incredible.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
Having the opportunity to learn about nonprofits in New Mexico and worldwide.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
From my mother: Be independent.
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
Christmas!
Rosalind Elliott
Community Philanthropy Intern
What do you do at NMCF?
As the Community Philanthropy Intern I help manage files on NMCF’s various types of funds. I also have the opportunity to sit in on meetings of assorted natures to see the many aspects of NMCF’s work. Essentially, what I do at the NMCF is learn!
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
I would like to work in the field of International Health, as a nurse. I promise I am not trying to kiss up to Denise.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
Living near my grandparents, who have lived in and contributed to this beautiful state for over forty years. Stories of the sights they have seen and the characters they have known are an endless source of interest and amusement. I also love feast days; I try to make it to as many I possibly can.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
I love attending meetings and furiously taking notes. At the end of the day I feel that my mind has expanded, which is not too shabby a state in which to go home.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
There is always an excuse to be in a bad mood. None of them are good. –my Mom
The time to make up your mind about people is never. – The Philadelphia Story
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican:Red or green?
Always green.
Denise Gonzales
Director of Community Philanthropy
What do you do at NMCF?
I am the Director of Community Philanthropy. I oversee the grant processes at NMCF and work with grantees and donors to make grant making as effective as possible. I also manage two Department of Energy programs that engage communities in decisions that are made about cleanup around nuclear facilities nationwide.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
I would love to be a nurse.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
The rich history, cultures and diversity. I am enamored of the incredible landscapes and the fact that there is so much to do here in New Mexico. A short drive anywhere can literally be an adventure.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
I find working here at NMCF is rewarding because we have the privilege of working in a statewide network where we can see the incredible work and services being done to enrich New Mexico and the people of New Mexico. We can help connect donors and grantees to real change and projects that enrich all of us.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Do to others as you would have them do to you. You will never go wrong with that advice.
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
Both! But fresh roasted green chile on a homemade tortilla is heaven.
Jeff Jordy
Chief Financial Officer
What do you do at NMCF?
As Chief Financial Officer, my team and I handle the financial management, accounting, reporting and compliance for the foundation. I also am very involved in strategy, foundation administration, risk management and systems.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
A drummer in a rock band.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
The mountains and the sky.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
I’m answering this on my first day at NMCF, so I look forward to those experiences.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Measure twice, cut once.
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
That depends on which is hottest.
Ben Lewinger
Fiscal Sponsorship Manager
What do you do at NMCF?
I help people realize their potential by connecting them with the tools necessary to operate as a nonprofit. The process to become a bonafide 501(c)(3) can be long and complicated, and NMCF is able to “lend” our nonprofit status and expertise to help new charitable projects grow legs and contribute to our community.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
I’d love to be a chef/restaurateur. The development of an idea into a great place to eat and hang out with friends is provocative to me – everything from designing the cuisine to the overall shtick of the place. After spending a lot of time in Taiwan, Japan, and Hawaii, having a karaoke component is a must.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
The people! More than any other market I’ve known, New Mexico is filled with people, especially young people, who are extremely dedicated to finding creative ways to work together to bring about positive change in our community. I serve on the board of Young Nonprofit Network of Central New Mexico, and the encouragement I’m able to draw from this group getting together and discussing the challenges and successes of supporting New Mexico has been crucial to my success.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
I build these experiences on the daily – helping people to become not only stakeholders in the success of our communities, but stakeholders with the maximum ability to make a real difference.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
“Do what you say you’re gonna do!” Sounds simple, but it’s not always an easy practice.
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
Depends on the day and the food… a Blake’s Lotaburger with green chile is tough to top.
Elizabeth “Libby” Madden
Director of Development
What do you do at NMCF?
As the Director of Development, I lead the board, staff and volunteers in our annual fundraising efforts and special campaigns that grow philanthropy across New Mexico.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
Professional salsa dancing.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
Right now, I would say it’s the collective effort to support local growers through farmers markets, restaurants and other venues. The movement honors and preserves the state’s agricultural roots.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
My favorite day at NMCF, so far, was a site visit to Jemez Pueblo on a beautiful fall day. There were traditional dances and foods. We toured the schools and learned their strategic plans for building their community. The education department decided to create an endowment with NMCF. A storm rolled through, followed by rainbows. As we say in the philanthropy world, it was a “mission moment.”
What’s the best advice you ever received?
People tend to do their best work when they stretch beyond their comfort zone. It’s good to know your limits but it’s really important to keep testing them.
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
Red.
Judy Mosher
Accounts Payable Coordinator
What do you do at NMCF?
My title is Accounts Payable Coordinator and as part of the finance team, I work to ensure accurate, timely payments are made on behalf of NMCF.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
An award winning poet perhaps?
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
Something in this amazing place inspires me every day. From our wide open spaces, easy access to nature, watching the sun, moon, and stars almost every day, our colorful mountains, cool rivers, UFO’s, quaking aspen and the sweet smell of pinion pine to the wisdom our elders here carry for us all. Especially I am inspired by the high degree of kindness and acceptance among the native people, Hispanics, and Anglos who, with me, call this place home.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
The goodwill I feel in our staff, donors, and grantees is a rewarding antidote to the stress and hardship in our world.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Let kindness be your religion.
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
I like my wine red and my chili green.
Jenny Parks
President and CEO
What do you do at NMCF?
I am the President. I am responsible for ensuring that NMCF meets its overall strategic and operational objectives.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
If I had an ounce of talent, I would love to be a singer/songwriter—in a band and on the road!
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
The land, the people and the history. I’m addicted to New Mexico’s wide open spaces.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
Meeting all the great people involved in philanthropy and in the nonprofit community. It is a privilege to be in this job and to witness the impact that donors, volunteers and nonprofit employees have on others in our communities. I talk to someone or see something inspiring every day I am at work. There are not many people who can say that.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
This is not direct advice, but words of wisdom:
“Sometimes you’re the windshield, and sometimes you’re the bug.”—Mary Chapin Carpenter
“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” —Will Rogers
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
I was red for 20 years, but have recently begun to see the value of a good green.
Mike Santistevan
Controller
What do you do at NMCF?
As the Controller at NMCF, I am part of the Accounting / Finance team that ensures the proper recording and reporting of all financial transactions for the Foundation and Fiscal Sponsorships. As part of my duties, I am responsible for being a financial resource for the relationships we have with our Fiscal Sponsorships and Fund Holders. I take great pride in being able to provide accurate and timely financial data to our team members and our partners outside NMCF.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
I really enjoy youth sports and would like to try my hand at being a Director of a youth sports program that plays a role in developing our youth to be active and responsible young adults.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
Born and raised in New Mexico, I have recently returned from being away for about 11 years. Returning home has really opened my eyes to many of the characteristics about New Mexico that I had either missed the first time or took for granted. The colorful landscapes and skyline are just amazing. The culture, diversity and deep history of the people of New Mexico leaves me to wonder why I ever left in the first place. Also, the authentic New Mexican food has always inspired me.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
Although I am relatively new to NMCF, I feel that I have found a home within NMCF and the valuable services that are made available to different communities and people throughout New Mexico. I feel privileged to be able to perform the work that I love in a company that helps to provide access to services to the people of New Mexico.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
I have always been fond of the following quote by George S. Patton regarding people:
“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?.
Definitely the red.
Nancy Spei
Office Administrator & Executive Assistant
What do you do at NMCF?
I am the receptionist, office manager and assistant to the president. I am responsible for welcoming guests and providing the information they are seeking. Helping keep an efficient and happy office environment for every employee and aiding the president in all aspects of her duties are the primary focus of my position.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
I have always wanted to be a librarian. As a child I spent many hours at the public library two blocks from my home. I always admired the smart ladies behind the desk that seemed to know everything about all the books. As an adult I came to respect libraries as institutions that help people in so many ways to make their lives fuller and bring centuries of collected knowledge from the entire world to people in a direct and personal way. “Reading is a way of thinking with another person’s mind, it forces you to stretch your own.” (Scribner)
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
This is a place where people are free. Free to live the lifestyle one wishes without judgment or boundaries.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
I am looking forward to putting my energy and skill toward being a resource to the organization and the people of New Mexico. That will be a daily reward for me.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Measure twice, cut once. This is a bit of wise caution followed by confidence in action; I want to live my life like that.
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
I thought long and hard about this one. I have to say green! It is so lively and like a mouthful of New Mexico sunshine.
Renee Villarreal
Director of Programs and Community Outreach
What do you do at NMCF?
I am the Director of Programs and Community Outreach and I plan and manage the Foundation’s programs and initiatives. I am also responsible for researching and identifying community needs primarily in rural areas of the State that are currently not being served, and that are in alignment with NMCF’s mission and vision.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
Farming.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
Lew Wallace once wrote, “All calculations, based on experience elsewhere, fail in New Mexico.” Our uniqueness and complexity makes us very different from other places. Therefore it is the local voice and experience that inspires me—to listen and be mindful of those complexities.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
I just started my job at NMCF, so the memories are being created!
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Not to let the perfect get in the way of the good!
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
I would usually say Christmas, but as I get older, I am enjoying green more.
Sarah Wolters
Intellus NM Project Coordinator, NMCF Webmaster
What do you do at NMCF?
I promote the use of the Intellus NM database and data analysis tool as a way for community members in northern New Mexico to stay informed about the risks posed by operations at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). I also organize and facilitate monthly meetings that bring together New Mexico community members, local environmental organizations, students and staff from LANL and the New Mexico Environment Department to discuss issues concerning environmental monitoring, contamination and remediation at LANL.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to try?
I would love to be a fashion designer.
What most inspires you about New Mexico?
I’m inspired by the strength of the people, the land and the diversity. I’m inspired by New Mexico’s love of and longing to preserve tradition while still embracing an ever-changing world. I’m inspired by the beautiful land, my life-loving dog and human friends at the Frank Ortiz Dog Park, and the endless creative expressions I see every day here.
What is your most memorable or rewarding NMCF experience?
I feel the most rewarding experiences are also the ones that require hard work and uncertainty. Bringing scientific information to the community about often controversial issues in an accessible and transparent manner is a complicated and difficult endeavor. I’m incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from and connect with so many passionate and interested people in the process. Additionally, I have the support of the incredible people I work with, which makes all things possible.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
“Don’t talk about it. BE about it.”
Finally, a question that’s a must for every New Mexican: Red or green?
It’s hard to imagine living far from La Choza’s red chili cheese enchiladas.
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