New Mexico State Parks Foundation
Media Contact:  Consuelo Chavez, Executive Director, (505) 977-0154
connie@nmstateparksfoundation.com

NEW MEXICO STATE PARKS FOUNDATION

SELECTS NEW OFFICERS

ALBUQUERQUE – With New Mexico’s State Parks facing challenging economic times and harsh budget cuts, The New Mexico State Parks Foundation (NMSPF) Board of Directors renewed their commitment to our most valuable natural resources, selecting Tony Olmi of La Entrada Realty as Chairman and Richard Green of New Mexico Mortgage as Vice Chairman. Karen Brown, Ph.D., who retired as the Park Superintendent at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park will continue to serve as Secretary/Treasurer.

“New Mexico’s greatest treasures are it’s people and it’s abundant and diverse natural resources,’ stated Olmi. “They are our ‘acres of diamonds’. As such, we are responsible for their protection and preservation while promoting responsible use by citizens and visitors alike.”

In addition, Dominick Lepore and Monique Feldman, Esq., both of Albuquerque, were selected as new members of the Board. 

“We are pleased to welcome these two individuals to our Board as they are willing to actively assist us in meeting our mission, each one brings unique experience and talents to the table,” stated Gerald E. Weinstein, Chairman Emeritus.  He added “While I leave the post of Chairman with a bit of sadness, I know that Mr. Olmi and an active Board of Directors will chart an aggressive course for the Foundation in assisting New Mexico’s State Parks in these tough economic times.” 

Weinstein also thanked Orlando “Orlie Sedillo” for serving along with him as Vice-Chairman of the Board. Sedillo had served as Director of New Mexico State Parks and as head of the Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department. He recently ended an eight-year term as Chairman of the New Mexico State Parks Advisory Board.

The NM State Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2003, is a viable partner with the 34 New Mexico State Parks, including the Nation’s only state park dedicated to the Veterans of the Vietnam War. Financial support to the parks is given only for projects not otherwise funded through the legislative process and visitor fees. Examples of state park projects and programs supported by the Foundation include “No Child Left Inside” a component of the New Mexico State Parks’ Outdoor Education Program and a grant which provided funding to upgrade boating ramps at Sugarite State Park.

The Foundation also actively supports various State Parks Friends Groups. The NMSPF has proposed several new projects including, “No Seniors Left Inside” and outreach to veterans at state parks statewide.

Charitable Gifting and grants are encouraged as means to fund the beneficial mission of the New Mexico State Parks Foundation.  For information contact Consuelo Chavez, Executive Director at 505-977-4076, by email, connie@nmstateparksfoundation.com or visit our website, www.nmstateparksfoundation.com.

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