‎Joseph Tomas Griego is overseeing the growth and development of the New Mexico Region. With 30 years of experience in the industry, Joseph works collaboratively with private, state, and federal partners. He manages multiple funding streams and maintains essential partnerships, leading his management team to achieve a 40% increase in revenue for the New Mexico Region. A firm believer in community support and development, Joseph is passionate about developing long-lasting relationships and partnerships that impact individuals, families, and community services.

Erin Garcia is the Senior VP of Social Services & Education at CPLC, leading impactful programs across Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas. Since 2013, she has overseen schools, senior centers, and one of New Mexico’s largest emergency shelters. Her servant leadership and equity-driven approach focus on meeting people where they are. Erin holds a B.A. in Education and an M.S. from Arizona State University, and an MBA from Grand Canyon University.

Maryah Montoya leads statewide programs that support youth, seniors, workforce readiness, and low-income families through HELP NM and CPLC. With over 10 years in nonprofit work, she brings deep compassion, faith-driven leadership, and crisis response expertise. Her work is rooted in dignity, integrity, and a commitment to building stronger communities across New Mexico.

Anthony Chopito brings over 15 years of leadership experience, transitioning from U.S. Marine service to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. At Gateway Shelter in Albuquerque, he oversees daily operations for 400–700 guests, driving data-informed improvements, trauma-informed care, and strong community partnerships. With an M.S. in Psychology, Anthony leads with empathy, resilience, and a clear mission: to create safer, more dignified pathways out of homelessness.

Elaine Felix has supported the HELPNM and CPLCNM teams with over 40 years of administrative experience in Albuquerque’s nonprofit sector. A native New Mexican, she brings professionalism, care, and commitment to every detail. Her long-standing service reflects a deep dedication to community and mission-driven work.

Michael A. Lujan joined CPLC in 2025 as the Child Adult Care Food Program Manager. Born and raised in Albuquerque, he earned his associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees from the University of New Mexico. With a strong background in afterschool programs and early childhood education, Michael has worked with the Lt. Governor’s Children’s Cabinet and the state legislature to champion children’s issues across New Mexico.

Michael brings over 40 years of experience across military service, education, technology, and community development. He leads Rio Arriba County YouthBuild, helping young adults gain construction skills, leadership training, and career pathways. A U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime public servant, Adams has secured millions in funding to expand opportunity in New Mexico. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to service, education, and economic growth.

Rene Martinez serves as the One-Stop Operator for Northern New Mexico, where he is committed to connecting people with opportunities and helping them succeed in their careers. With more than 14 years of experience in the trucking industry as a Director of Operations, Rene brings strong leadership and a passion for workforce development to his role. Outside of work, Rene enjoys entrepreneurship and owns a food trailer in Denver, Colorado, specializing in flautas.

Esau Monterroza is the IT Specialist at Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), where he supports the organization’s technology infrastructure and ensures reliable, secure, and efficient systems across departments. He plays a key role in maintaining hardware, software, networks, and internal systems that enable staff to serve communities effectively.

Brendan Heath is the Evaluation and Data Analyst working for Chicanos Por La Causa’s Research and Evaluation team (R&E). He is the dedicated analyst with Research and Evaluation on the ground in New Mexico, supporting programs using data driven methods. By using both quantitative, numbers-based data, and qualitative, people-driven data, Brendan works to support and tell the stories of CPLC New Mexico’s programs. Additionally, Brendan also brings a unique angle to program evaluation by adding economic impact analysis to Research and Evaluation’s capacity.