Distinguished Alumni Award

This prestigious award recognizes CNM alumni who have attained distinction in their professional field or life, which reflects the mission and values of CNM.

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. 

Nominate an Alumni

2022 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

Image of Kristen Gamboa

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