July 25, 2024
Española, NM – The LANL Foundation announces changes to its Board of Directors following elections conducted by the Board. After years of dedicated service, Kathryn Harris Tijerina has passed the leadership baton to Dr. Denise Montoya, who will now serve as Chair of the Board.
Dr. Denise Montoya has been named chair of the LANL Foundation Board of Directors. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the New Mexico Home Builders Association, following an esteemed career in public service that spanned nearly three decades, primarily in higher education as an executive leader and educator. She holds a Ph.D. in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences from the University of New Mexico and has received several accolades, including recognition as a Women of Influence Honoree by Albuquerque Business First in 2015.
Reflecting on her tenure, outgoing Chair Tijerina said, “I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable progress we have made in supporting the communities of Northern New Mexico. Our collective efforts have made a lasting impact, especially in teacher preparation. As I pass the torch to Dr. Denise Montoya, I have every confidence in her ability to lead with vision and dedication. Her commitment to our mission is unwavering, and I look forward to supporting her as I continue to serve on the board as immediate past chair. The future of the LANL Foundation is bright, and I am excited to see the positive change that lies ahead for our communities.”
Kathryn Harris Tijerina, former Board Chair, will remain on the LANL Foundation Board as Immediate Past Chair. Currently in her retirement, she is a member of the Board of Trustees for Southwestern College, member of the Santa Fe Indian Center, on the Santa Fe Council for the Uncertain Human Future, Past-President of the Rotary del Sur Club, and a national advisor for the Americans for Indian Opportunity’s Ambassador Program. Kathryn is an enrolled citizen of the Comanche Nation. Born and raised in Comanche country in southwestern Oklahoma, she earned her BA from Harvard, graduating Magna cum Laude. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School .
Dr. Denise Montoya is a distinguished leader with a career-long commitment to serving the community. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the New Mexico Home Builders Association, following an esteemed career in public service that spanned nearly three decades, primarily in higher education as an executive leader and educator. She previously served as Chief of Staff and Vice President for Finance and Administration at Northern New Mexico College, prior to which she was Associate Vice President for Finance, Administration, and Government Relations at New Mexico Highlands University, where she was also an adjunct faculty member. A nationally recognized faculty member and speaker, Dr. Montoya has taught at NMHU, UNM Continuing Education, CNM, and ITT Technical Institute. She holds a Ph.D. in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences from the University of New Mexico and has received several accolades, including recognition as a Women of Influence Honoree by Albuquerque Business First in 2015.
In a statement reflecting her vision and commitment, Dr. Montoya said, “It is an honor to serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation. The board and the staff are exceptional thought leaders, change makers, and educators committed to its mission to inspire excellence in education and learning in Northern New Mexico through innovative programming, collaboration, and advocacy. Working together, we can achieve our shared bold vision that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient, lifelong learners who are engaged in our communities.”
Joining Dr. Montoya, the Foundation welcomes six esteemed new members to the board:
• Max Baca – Information Technology Consultant, Las Vegas, NM
• Dr. Tony Dorame – Consultant, Tesuque Pueblo
• Dr. Virginia Padilla-Vigil – Vice President, Southwestern College
• Dr. Matthew Martinez – Executive Director, Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project, Ohkay
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• Dr. Willard Wadt – Retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos
• Dr. June Yu – Vice President, University of California Laboratories
The LANL Foundation also expresses its profound gratitude to the following departing board members for their many years of service and wishes them all the best in their future endeavors:
• Dr. Thom Mason
• Elmer Torres
• Brenda Romero
• Dr. Wayne Kennedy
• Denise Balderas
• Nella Domenici (Departed January, 2024).
• Mike Phelan
The LANL Foundation looks forward to the new leadership and the fresh perspectives our new board members will bring, as we continue our mission to enhance education and learning in Northern New Mexico.
To learn more about the LANL Foundation and its Board of Directors, click here.
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Since 1997, the LANL Foundation has been investing in education, learning, and human potential in Northern New Mexico. Through diverse programming and collaboration with key partners, the LANL Foundation works to ensure that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient lifelong learners who are engaged in their communities. LANL Foundation is dedicated to the enhancement of students’ access to academic and technical opportunities, leading to quality jobs by supporting college and career readiness in schools, districts, communities, Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations. For more information visit: https://www.lanlfoundation.org.
