The New Mexico State University Foundation begins its new fiscal year July 1 with Margaret Hardin ’94, former CEO of Ergobaby, commencing her first year as Board Chair. Louis A. Vega ’91, president of Dow North America, transitions to the role of Outgoing Chair. Joining Hardin on the executive committee of the Foundation are Carol Smallwood ’83, Vice Chair; Amy E. Hummer, Secretary; and Eric Powell ’80, Treasurer. 

“I am deeply grateful to Louis for his years of leadership and service to the Foundation,” Hardin said. “Under his guidance, the board strengthened its governance, advanced key priorities and helped position NMSU for long-term impact. I look forward to the ongoing contributions and guidance he will make as a board member and in his new role as past chair.” 

Through intentional stewardship and strong governance, the independent, 32-member NMSU Foundation board oversees and grows investments that support scholarships, programs and initiatives aligned with NMSU’s land-grant mission, creating opportunity for current and future Aggies. The NMSU Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising and managing private support for New Mexico State University. The board meets quarterly, holding two meetings in person and two virtually, and plays a vital role in guiding the Foundation’s governance, investments and long-term strategy. 

“Leading this board has been a privilege,” Vega said. “I appreciate the dedication of my fellow board members and I am proud of the progress we have made together to strengthen the Foundation and advance the mission of NMSU.” 

New board members include Lynden Armstrong ’94, Paul Gutierrez ’92, and Raquel Bone ’91 ’93. Armstrong is an operations and technology executive with extensive experience leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives, modernizing enterprise systems, and aligning people, processes and technology across the U.S. Senate. Gutierrez is a seasoned legislative and public affairs leader with more than two decades of experience across federal, state and local government, nonprofit leadership and agricultural policy. Bone is a senior financial services executive who serves as senior vice president and market managing director for PNC Institutional Asset Management. 

Serving as directors for the 2026–27 fiscal year are: 

• Lynden Armstrong ’94, Washington, DC 

• Raquel Bone ’91 ’93, Mission Viejo, California 

• Dino Camuñez ’80, Phoenix, Arizona 

• Orlando A. Castañeda ’06, Phoenix, Arizona (Finance Committee Chair) 

• Kevin Conroy ’91, ’99, Denver, Colorado 

• John Cordova ’81, ’83, Marietta, Georgia (Audit Committee Chair) 

• Abel Covarrubias ’96, ’98, Las Cruces, New Mexico (Ad Hoc Campaign Committee Chair) 

• Jack E. Davis ’68, ’73, Santa Fe, New Mexico 

• Bob Dintelman ’73, ’74, Salt Lake City, Utah 

• Sue Dintelman ’72, Salt Lake City, Utah 

• Del Esparza ’91, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Development and Communications Committee Chair) 

• Sue Gerber ’84, Corrales, New Mexico (Compensation and Benefits Committee Chair) 

• Paul Gutierrez ’92, Arlington, Virginia 

• Margaret Hardin ’94, Culver City, California (Board Chair) 

• Amy Hummer, Las Cruces, New Mexico (Board Secretary) 

• Judy Johnson ’12, Santa Fe, New Mexico 

• Michael Law ’04, Las Cruces, New Mexico (Alumni Committee Chair) 

• Ross A. McCallister Jr. ’75, Tucson, Arizona (Investment Committee Chair) 

• Bob A. Martinez ’65, ’67, Palisade, Colorado 

• Manny Mora ’84, Issaquah, Washington 

• Mike Packard ’64, Carlsbad, California 

• Susan Plantz ’83, Brentwood, Tennessee 

• Brenda Porter ’83, ’87, Las Cruces, New Mexico 

• Eric S. Powell ’80, Cave Creek, Arizona (Board Treasurer) 

• Thom Price ’88, ’92, Las Cruces, New Mexico 

• Marc Reyes ’00, Henderson, Nevada 

• Jim Rhodes ’78, Farmington, New Mexico 

• Kyle Rhodes ’81, Farmington, New Mexico  

• Joseph Salopek ’04, Las Cruces, New Mexico 

• Carol Smallwood ’83, Las Cruces, New Mexico (Board Vice Chair) 

• DeAnza Valencia ’96, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Governance Committee Chair) 

• Louis A. Vega ’91, Miami Beach, Florida (Board Immediate Past Chair) 

Rotating off the board are Chris Dulany ’05 ’12, Joel Granger ’98 and Frank Seidel ’81. “We are deeply grateful for their years of service and leadership,” Vega said. “Their contributions helped strengthen the Foundation and advance the mission of NMSU in meaningful ways.” 

About the NMSU Foundation 

Established in 1959, the NMSU Foundation is a privately governed, non-profit corporation. Its mission is to foster long-term relationships with alumni, supporters, and community to secure, manage, steward, and protect a sustainable source of private resources that will enhance the ability of New Mexico State University to fulfill its land-grant mission.