Foundation Board
Jeff Buell, PNM Resources
Mr. Buell professional background is in communications with several years experiences as a print journalist and about a decade of experience in the field of public relations. Jeff currently works in governmental affairs at PNM Resources where he develops and deploys communications strategies to support lobbying efforts within the government sector. Jeff primary contributions to the board are in formulating outreach and communications strategies.
John J. Kelly, Modrall Sperling Law Firm
Mr. Kelly represents corporations and business professionals in federal civil litigation and as an appellate advocate. He also maintains an administrative practice before local, state and federal rulemaking and adjudicatory agencies. His recent substantive litigation has included real estate, land use and zoning disputes, contracts, business torts, securities and environmental remediation. A former U.S. Attorney, Mr. Kelly handles compliance and enforcement matters for companies in regulated industries. He also counsels clients that are the subject of state or federal criminal investigations. Mr. Kelly served as United States Attorney for New Mexico from 1993 to 2000, and as the U.S. Southwest Border Representative from 1998-2000. Mr. Kelly has been the school's volunteer attorney since 2001 and a board member since 2003. He volunteered his time to represent the school before the Albuquerque City Council to change an ordinance to allow the school to move downtown and he also led the negotiations with the Federal Government to gain a 20 year lease for $100 per month. John J. Kelly received his J.D. at Cornell University.
Travis Thom, Venture Realty
Travis Thom was born and raised in a real estate family. Growing up in a real estate environment, Travis was set on a path at an early age. Travis became a real estate agent just out of high school in 2000 and then made history by becoming one of the youngest Qualifying brokers in the state at the tender age of 21 when he owned and operated Selling New Mexico. After years of becoming a multi- million dollar producer Travis then became Owner and Qualifying Broker of Venture Realty Group in 2005.
Travis also created and started the “student and parent guide to home buying” (unmproperty.com) which is geared toward helping local university students get into a home, establish credit and jump start their financial career.Travis brings enthusiasm to the real estate profession. As a native of New Mexico, Travis has strong roots in Albuquerque and understands its growing market.
Dr. Mark Unverzagt, Medicine @ Downtown
Dr. Mark Unvervagt is a board-certified family physician. Originally from New Orleans, Mark attended Tulane University where he majored in International Relations. Mark graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1989. Mark decided to start Medicine@Downtown because he wanted to see if primary care could be delivered differently. Mark is interested in working with the downtown community and in playing a role in its revitalization.
Sridhar Yarlagadda, Vice- President, Financial Advisor, Sandia Investment Group, Wachovia Securities
Mr. Yarlagadda has assisted the school in identifying new fund raising opportunities and developing a long-term financial strategy for the school. His expertise in financial planning and experience in private fund raising is critical for the development of the school.
Emeritus Members
Richard G. Elkins, Vice-President, Albuquerque Academy
Mr. Elkins has helped guide the school through the challenging process of acquiring its permanent facility. His experience in the private financial sector and as the treasurer of the Albuquerque Academy have been instrumental in the ultimate success of the school.
Sarah Belle Brown, Brown and Brown Ventures
Ms. Brown has assisted the school with its private gift campaign by serving as the chairperson of the development committee. She has also been terrifically valuable in helping the school shape its identity in the community. Sarah founded the Gold Street Caffe in 1996. Sarah also serves on the CNM Foundation Board, Children’s Home Society in Oakland, CA, Court Appointed Special Advocate for San Francisco Juvenile Court, Citizen’s Committee to Review Implementation of Child Welfare Reform in San Mateo, CA, Governing Board of Chinatown After-School Program in San Francisco and was a Trustee of Mount Vernon College. Before venturing into business, Sarah was a teacher in the Los Angeles City School District. She recieved her Teachers Certificate at University of Southern California and completed her Graduate studies in the Pastry Arts Program at the Institute Of Culinary Education in New York.
Victor J. Chavez, Chavez-Grieves Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Mr. Chavez is a founding partner of the structural and civil engineering firm of Chavez-Grieves Consulting Engineers, Inc. He has more than 30 years of experience as a registered professional structural engineer and has worked on a broad spectrum of projects ranging from schools and universities to high- tech industrial and manufacturing plants and laboratory facilities. Mr. Chavez has been instrumental in the construction and oversight of Amy Biehl High School's new downtown location. He volunteered countless hours of pro-bono construction and engineering experience to the school during the construction phase of the new school's new facility. This expertise was invaluable to Tony Monfiletto and resulted in helping the project stay under budget and on time.
Wendy Forbes, President, Vaughn Wedeen
Ms. Forbes is an account manager for Vaughn Wedeen Creative. She handles new business development for the firm and manages brand strategy, advertising and graphic design projects for a wide spectrum of clients including the New Mexico Department of Transportation, the New Mexico Partnership, Bresnan Communications, the Arizona Cardinals and the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau. She is an award-winning television and radio producer with 20 years experience in marketing, advertising and public relations. Ms. Forbes has been a long time friend of the school. She has been instrumental in assisting us with "branding" to help elevate the school's presence in the business community. Wendy received her B.S. in Communications with a concentration in screenwriting for film and television from the University of Miami.
Antoinette Pacheco, City of Albuquerque
Ms. Pacheco has served as the Governing and Foundation Board Chair for the past 4 years. She has worked in public finance for the New Mexico State Legislature and the City of Albuquerque and has helped steward the growth of the school through on-going operational funds as well as with capital outlay appropriations. She has worked with constituent services for US Senator Jeff Bingaman in Washington, DC as well as in the State and is active in a range of community projects for several non-profit groups. Still with the City, she currently manages contracts with the Albuquerque Public Schools to offer educational initiatives for secondary and post-secondary students that include academic support services, dropout prevention, career exploration and youth employment.
Bettye Pressley
Bettye is a retired non-profit executive. She is active in the community and has been an ardent supporter of the Amy Biehl High School since its inception. Her spouse, Jim williams, was the founding board president, and she became more involved with ABHS after his death in November 2003. She served on the ABHS Foundation Board and various committees, and sponsored the Vision Room in Jim's memory.
