New Mexico GREEN Chamber of Commerce

Staff and Board

These are just some of the people behind the New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce.

Information on your local chapter board members is coming soon……

Laura E. Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer

Laura was formally a staff attorney with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, where she worked on a variety of tax matters. Prior to that position she was a staff attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) where she worked primarily on energy issues, renewable energy transmission and climate change policy in New Mexico and Arizona. Laura has practiced in the areas of property tax litigation, public finance, commercial real estate and other corporate transactions, as well as providing support on various transactional projects related to government and finance.

She has been an adjunct professor at New Mexico Highlands University, teaching Business Law & Ethics and Employment Law & Personnel Management in NMHU’s MBA program. Ms. Sanchez is a regular panelist on the TV show New Mexico In Focus on New Mexico PBS (KNME). She was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson in June 2009 to serve on the Board of Directors for the NM Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA) and served as RETA’s Projects Committee Chair through July 2011.

Laura is a member of the New Mexico State Bar, the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the American Bar Association – Section on Environment, Energy and Resources, and the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation. Laura was an original co-founder of the NM Green Chamber.

She is originally from Deming, New Mexico, and currently resides in Albuquerque with her boyfriend Paul Rivét, and their four “children” – two canines, one feline and one reptile.

Celerah Hewes-Rutledge, Chief Operating Officer

Celerah brings strong organizational skills to the Green Chamber and plays a key role in aligning efforts between the local and state green chamber chapters; engaging members and other stakeholders; and delivering high impact events and services. Celerah has experience with political and issue-based campaigns; directing field operations, marketing, and outreach.

Celerah was born in Corrales, New Mexico and grew up in Albuquerque where both of her parents own businesses. She received her Bachelor’s degrees from the University of New Mexico a Master’s degree in American History at San Francisco State University. She has been working with the Green Chamber since January 2011. Celerah currently lives in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill Area with her husband, daughter, a dog, and a cat.

Lindsay Laine, Assistant Project Coordinator

Lindsay graduated from Anderson School of Management with an MBA in Management of Technology in 2012, and previously earned a BBA in International Management.  While in her undergraduate studies, she studied International Business and Development abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

After returning to the states, Lindsay participated in international consulting projects with UNM student group International Business Students Global.  During July 2011, Lindsay worked in Nairobi, Kenya as a consultant for a number of local businesses, while also interning with a microfinance firm called Faulu Kenya.  In September 2012, as Project Manager, she led a group of graduate students to Brazil to provide an in-depth analysis of the cultural and economic environment, and a comprehensive ecotourism consulting report to aid the Amazonian communities during the upcoming World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

Throughout her college career, she has had the opportunity to provide multiple local businesses with consulting services, ranging from identifying new marketing avenues to developing innovative technologies in a commercial environment. She is always eager to take on new projects that foster the growth of our local community. Lindsay began as an Intern for the Green Chamber in February 2011, and currently lives in Albuquerque.

Carrie Hamblen, Executive Director-Las Cruces Chapter

Carrie Hamblen served as the Operations Manager at KRWG Radio, the Las Cruces National Public Radio affiliate, since 1997 but has been in Public Radio for 20 years. She was the local host of Morning Edition and of the public affairs program, Images.

For the past 12 years, Carrie has served on the Board of Directors for the Las Cruces chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) where she oversaw the creation of the Emily Cohen Endowment, a doubling in chapter membership, and several years of successful fundraising. Monies from the fundraising were donated to statewide organizations lobbying for LBGT rights, local groups and scholarships for local university students. She has been the President since 2009.

In addition, Carrie has served as Co-Chair of the Southern New Mexico PRIDE Board of Directors, leading an outstanding group of volunteers in creating the second largest gay pride celebration in the state. She holds a Masters Degree in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University, Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Texas at El Paso and is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Administration from NMSU.

Email: Carrie@nmgreenchamber.com

Cissy McAndrew, Executive Director-Southwest Chapter

Cissy received her B.S. in Pre-Architecture and Urban Planning and a M.S. in Resource Allocation and Design.

Her career path continued as a Licensed General Contractor/Designer of Energy Efficient and Solar Projects, a Residential and a Light Commercial Certified Energy Auditor, Municipal Power System Energy Conservation Manager, National Energy Foundation Projects Consultant and Certified Fundraiser.

Cissy is also the only Certified EcoBroker™ and GREEN Realtor in SW New Mexico, and serves on the boards of Habitat for Humanity-Gila Region, and the Silver City MainStreet Project.

Glenn Schiffbauer, Executive Director-Santa Fe Chapter

Glenn Schiffbauer, a native New Mexican, received his BBA from New Mexico State University and his MBA from the Robert O. Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico.  After 16 years in management at renowned Rancho Encantado, he started two small businesses in Santa Fe.  He also worked with his wife Kim as a consultant for businesses statewide in both marketing and public affairs.  In 2005 he became a liaison and project manager for Robert Redford in New Mexico working on a variety of projects from film to governmental to green construction.

Glenn serves on the Sustainable Santa Fe Commission and the Santa Fe Green Lodging Initiative.

Jamie Tedesco, Executive Director-Taos Chapter

Lawrence Rael, President

Lawrence Rael is a native New Mexican and life-long public servant. Born in Santa Fe and raised in the Northern New Mexico town of Sile, he graduated from Bernalillo High School and stayed in New Mexico for college, receiving his degree from the University of New Mexico.

Rael served as the Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG) for eight years, stepping down in 2009. While holding this position he was responsible for the comprehensive planning and development programs for twenty-seven local governments in the region. He was also the driving force behind the New Mexico Rail Runner, which provides commuters with an alternative to traditional transportation in Central New Mexico.

Prior to working with MRCOG, he spent twelve years as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Albuquerque. While there, he coordinated the City of Albuquerque’s purchase of the Elena Gallegos land grant to preserve the area along the base of the Sandia Mountains, helped expand the Petroglyph National Monument, and preserve wetlands in the Rio Grande Valley. In addition, he participated in the revitalization of downtown, as well as the construction or expansion of the Zoo, the Aquarium, Explora Science Center, and Isotopes Baseball Park.

He has also served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Jeff Bingaman, Acting Deputy Secretary for the New Mexico Transportation Department, and State Program Director for New Mexico Employment Security Dept. Currently; Lawrence is a Partner with Rio Real Estate/Rio Group. He lives in Los Ranchos with his wife, Kim and three children.

Robert White, Vice President

Robert White is currently of counsel to the law firm Robles, Rael and Anaya. He served as city attorney for the city of Albuquerque from 1994 until 2010. During his tenure, he was president of the New Mexico City Attorneys Association and of the International Municipal Lawyers Association. He also served one term as an Albuquerque city councilor.

Kim Shanahan, Treasurer/Secretary

As a former builder of affordable and green subdivisions, Kim Shanahan brings a unique perspective to his current job as Executive Officer of the Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association. As a representative of a somewhat conservative industry in a progressive town, Kim brings the sensibility of small local business owners to the sometimes controversial discussions on affordable housing, green building, climate change, growth management, and youth opportunities.

In a job that asks for public involvement and outreach, Kim is able to indulge his personal passions and serve of many Boards and committees, including Habitat for Humanity, YouthWorks, Affordable Housing Roundtable, Sustainable Santa Fe Commission, Capital Improvements Advisory Committee, Long Range Planning Committee and the Mayor’s Task Force to End Homelessness.

Kim has presided over and helped nurture a radical change in local perception of Santa Fe’s home building and development community. The public’s acknowledgement of the inherently progressive nature of local builders and developers is a welcome embrace. As a national leader in the practice of emerging green building science, for even the most affordable homes, the local home builders association plays a huge role in ensuring local sustainability and a healthy economy.

Toney Anaya

Toney Anaya was elected Governor of the state of New Mexico in 1982, serving from 1983 through 1986.  As Governor, he focused on equal opportunity for all, education, energy, water, the environment, economic development, and, he helped to successfully steer the state through a national economic recession, transforming New Mexico into a more technology-based economy.  He laid the groundwork for future deployment of rapid rail transit; and, for future policy and social reform in the state.

Since leaving office he has served on numerous boards, commissions, and with non-profit organizations.  He was a principal in obtaining environmental and labor reform provisions in NAFTA as well improved dialogue between Mexico and U.S. Hispanics. More recently, he served as advisor to former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, including overseeing New Mexico’s $6 billion federal economic stimulus funding; chaired a commission to reform higher education; and, advised on improvements in the state’s public education.

Elected Attorney General in 1972, for a four-year term, he was known for elevating the Office to its intended major role in state government, and for fighting corruption, protecting consumers, and advancing environmental protection enforcement efforts.

Anaya was born in Moriarty, a small rural town in central New Mexico, the eighth of ten children.  He attended NM Highlands University before graduating from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and, subsequently, from the Washington College of Law at American University.  He attended school at night, working during the day for two federal agencies and two U.S. Senators from New Mexico.  He married Elaine Bolin in Washington, D.C. where his eldest two children were born.  Toney and Elaine returned to New Mexico where Toney launched his almost 45-year law practice; and, became involved in public service.

Toney and Elaine have been married for 49 years. They have three adult children and nine grandchildren.

Gordon West

Gordon West has owned and operated Santa Clara Woodworks, a construction contracting, wood processing, and woodworking business since 1977 and holds a NM GB-98 Residential and Commercial Contractors license. He has also worked extensively in public lands conservation and local economic development in a volunteer capacity for 25 years.

In 1992, Gordon became chair of the Selkirk-Priest Basin Association, a grassroots conservation group in northern Idaho. In 1998, he co-founded Gila WoodNet (Silver City, NM), a nonprofit research and development corporation dedicated to creating products and processes related to forest ecosystem restoration efforts. In 2004, he also co-founded Restoration Technologies LLC, a research, development and commercialization company dedicated to creating high-value products using low-value biomass while adhering to triple-bottom-line business principles. RT is currently West’s primary business venture in commercializing Zerosion and developing Chipcrete. In 2011, Gordon founded Gila Wood Products LLC, a viga, mulch, and firewood company also manufacturing and installing high quality cellulose insulation made from locally recycled cardboard. In 2013, Gordon became an Equity member of San Vicente farms LLC.

Mr. West has 37 years of experience in triple bottom line collaboration in transforming “waste” materials into profit centers suited for rural community business opportunities.

Regina Wheeler

Ms. Wheeler holds a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from New Mexico State University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico.  She has 20 years of experience in organizational leadership and operations management. A seasoned executive manager, Ms. Wheeler leads organizations to identify and respond to opportunities; build capacity and culture; deliver products and services that meet client requirements; cultivate customer awareness; and achieve financial goals.

Ms. Wheeler is a valuable integrator of change. With a passion for synthesizing outcomes, she has a unique ability to bring people together to achieve unprecedented results. During her career, Ms. Wheeler has led private, government and non-profit organizations through game changing projects and initiatives such as conceiving and constructing the first LEED certified solid waste facility in New Mexico; securing an industry leader as the first customer for a technology startup company in Santa Fe; and preparing to install 2 megawatts of solar photovoltaic panels on a closing landfill.

Rich Bigelow, Southwest Chapter President

It was 1978 when Rich Bigelow first arrived in the Silver City/Grant County area of New Mexico. He obtained his contractor license in 1983 and has been building and remodeling in southwestern New Mexico ever since. Rich and his wife have for several decades made personal choices toward limiting their negative impacts on the environment. Three years ago they reduced their carbon footprint even further with the design and installation of a grid tied 3K PV and solar water system. Their house’s PV system now produces 100% of their electricity and hot water needs.

In his business, Rich promotes energy efficient building practices through advocacy for designs in new homes, remodels, and additions that optimize space and energy efficiency; encouraging the use of renewable energy and environmentally friendly products; installation of insulation that meets and exceeds today’s building codes; promotion of the use of local building products, trade contractors and labor; and guidance to his customers in understanding and accessing state and federal energy tax incentives, HERS ratings, more.

As current President of the SWNM Green Chamber of Commerce, Rich plans to build upon and strengthen past work in the areas of local food production, investment and buying; green job creation; and eco-tourism.

Renee Frank, Las Cruces Chapter President

Renee Frank is an EcoBroker^® certified real estate professional, focusing on improving home environments with energy efficiency, water conservation, healthy indoor air quality, and renewable energy.  Las Cruces has been her home for over 34 years.  Renee has dedicated her real estate business to educating consumers about green homes, advocating for energy efficiency, promoting our community, and protecting our wonderful quality of life that makes living in Southern New Mexico so enjoyable.

Renee is a founding member of the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce, and served as President of the Board of Directors from its inception in September, 2010 to June 30, 2013.  She has also served as President of the Board of the United Way of Southern New Mexico, and is currently President-Elect of the Las Cruces Association of Realtors. Renee earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, and a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University.

Carolyn Parrs, Santa Fe Chapter President

Carolyn Parrs is the CEO and co-founder of Mind Over Markets, a dedicated green marketing communications company in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For over 10 years, she has helped businesses and organizations succeed in the growing green market such as Positive Energy Solar, Growstone Horticultural Products, BioShield Paints, and Marsha Mason’s Resting in the River Natural Products. Her clients range from renewable energy to organics to non-toxic paints, pallets, pet food and more.

Carolyn is a featured author on Green Marketing in Thomson Reuters book series for C-level executives called Inside the Minds: Greening your Business. Her multi-media blog and robust Facebook community, Women Of Green, provide a strong voice for women focused on environmental and social issues. Her Green Marketing Blog provides cutting-edge green marketing direction and advice in this ever-changing market.

Carolyn is the Board President of the Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce. She is also a certified Marketing and Business Coach and works one-on-one with entrepreneurs and executives internationally. She has worked at top New York City advertising agencies, such as Benton & Bowles and Wunderman Worldwide, serving clients such as General Foods, Proctor & Gamble, AT&T, IBM, Richardson-Vicks, Manufacturers Hanover Trust, Time/Life Books and more.

Carolyn and her products have appeared on television shows such as Good Morning America, ABC News, CBS News and on radio and cable shows such as HBO, CNN and Lifetime Channel. Print coverage includes The New York Times, L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, People Magazine and Cosmopolitan.

She lives in Santa Fe with her two children, and pups, Heart and Soul. Her joy fix is singing harmonies with Mark and Billy.