Distinguished Alumni Award
The CNM Foundation established the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002 to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of our graduates. The awards are presented annually at the CNM Foundation Donor Appreciation Dinner.
2023 Distinguished Alumni nominations are open.
2022 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner
Kristen Gamboa is the Senior Economic Developer for the Village of Los Lunas. Born and raised in El Paso, TX Kristen graduated with an Associate Degree in Integrated Studies. Kristen is a UNM Lobo graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in International Management. She also holds two Master's Degrees: one in Organizational Management and another in Psychology.
Currently, her attention is focused on helping local businesses in Los Lunas expand and grow while actively marketing and recruiting economic-based businesses to the area. Prior, Kristen was the Director of Business Development for the New Mexico Partnership where she actively engaged with companies, C-suite executives, and site consultants looking for expansion, relocation, or new project opportunities across the NM.
She currently lives in Valencia County and enjoys being surrounded by her family who have relocated to the Los Lunas area, as well.
Distinguished Alumni Past Honorees
2021 |
José García, General Manager, ASM Global (Albuquerque Convention Center, Civic Plaza, and Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Sports Complex) |
2020 |
Eric Masterson, Fire Chief Sandoval County |
2019 |
Reyes Padilla, Visual Artist |
2018 |
Dr. Cynde Tagg, Executive Director, UNM Hospitals |
2017 |
John Joseph, Founder of OptiPulse and TriLumina |
2016 |
Jade Richardson-Bock, Executive Director, NM Children's Grief Center |
2016 |
Angela Ward, Hospital Administrator, Rust Medical Center |
2015 |
Andy Lim, CEO of Add-Mi |
2015 |
Kimberle Lowe, District Bureau Chief Administrator II, State of New Mexico Tax & Rev. |
2014 |
Lauri Lineweaver, Director of Clinical Practice, Presbyterian Healthcare Services |
2013 |
Willow Misty Parks, Probate Judge Bernalillo Country |
2012 |
Dr. Tammy Jassman, Coram Specialty Infusion Services |
2011 |
Randy Woodcock, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, United Way of Central New Mexico |
2010 |
William J.J. Platero, Navajo Nations Judge |
2009 |
Tony Trujillo, President, Holman's Inc. |
2008 |
Karen Delle Site, CPA, Atkinson & Co. Certified Public Accountants |
2007 |
Bill Stanage, Jr., Wealth Management Group LLC |
2006 |
Sydney Gunthorpe, Ed.D., Vice President of Academic Affairs, CNM |
2004 |
Pedro Moreno, Owner, Southwest Respiratory LLC |
2003 |
Mr. Alfred Creecy, Attorney & Ms. Kathy Wolf |
2002 |
Ms. Susan Wilson, Vice President, New Mexico Mutual Group |