NMRA Super Staff

 

We have over 80 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Think of us as your personal assistant. We won’t pick up your dry cleaning but we are here to answer your questions.

 

Carol became the CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association in 2002 and enjoys being an advocate for the industry. As CEO, Carol is the leader of the NMRA staff and the Face of Political Advocacy. executive@nmrestaurants.org  Cell: 505-250-2911

Carol Wight

Chief Executive Officer

Tom has been in the food and beverage industry for many decades and has been a ServSafe instructor with NMRA for the last 3 years. As Director of Education, Tom coordinates all NMRA educational initiatives including ServSafe, Alcohol Server, and ManageFirst certifications as well as the high school culinary program, ProStart. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Hospitality Industry Education Foundation.
education@nmrestaurants.org
Tom Schuch

Education Director

Andre is the front-line contact for members and non-members, and provides answers on general information about the association and classes. classadmin@nmrestaurants.org.

Andre Reyes

Administrative and Membership Specialist

Mary is our Membership liaison for the Las Cruces area. She is a graduate of NMSU and a former U.S. Air Force Reservist. Mary is a long-time Las Cruces resident with strong community ties and years of sales, advertising, and customer service experience. She handles membership sales, outreach, and retention for the Las Cruces area. Are you in the region and want to get more involved? Contact Mary at lascruces@nmrestaurants.org

Mary Gallegos

Regional Membership Coordinator - Las Cruces

Cindy’s duties revolve around the finances, administration and human resources of the NMRA. She has 20+ years of experience in the restaurant industry and a background in Accounting. She can help answer questions on a wide variety of topics from general business practices to HR. accounting@nmrestaurants.org

Cindy Ploen

Director of Finance and Administration

As Membership Director, Dionne is responsible for fulfilling the membership benefits, assisting members with their questions and challenges, and connecting our restaurant and hotel members to our vendor members. Dionne has over 17 years of experience in the non-profit sector including other New Mexico trade and membership associations. Contact Dionne to get started!  membership@nmrestaurants.org

Dionne Bower

Membership Director

Lawrence is the point of contact for all things social and advertising related. Do you have an event or vendor opportunity that you’d like us to share to get more visibility? Want to advertise your product or service? dining@nmrestaurants.org

Lawrence Baker

Communication Director

Michelle is the new Events Coordinator for NMRA.  Michelle has been a Certified ServSafe Instructor & Registered ServSafe Proctor since 2020. She is also the ServSafe Instructor for the in-person classes held at the NMRA building in Albuquerque. She has an extensive career working in hospitality and is currently a General Manager with Applebee’s Grill & Bar. Contact Michelle for all things concerning NMRA events events@nmrestaurants.org

Michelle Gallegos

Events Coordinator/ServSafe

Kristen is taking over as our new staff lobbyist in 2023 and handles all aspects of government relations for NMRA. She has extensive experience in the areas of policy development and regulatory compliance. Kristen led the implementation of the Adult Use Cannabis program in New Mexico and has experience negotiating business friendly concessions from lawmakers. Thomson has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Colorado State University and a graduate certificate in strategic communications from the University of Colorado Denver, and a certificate in ESG Strategy from the University of Colorado Boulder. Contact Kristen at kitchencabinet@nmrestaurants.org

Kristen Thomson

Government Affairs Director

John is the Executive Director of GSFRA, our chapter in Santa Fe.

John Bradbury

Executive Director GSFRA

Hours of Operation

MON – FRI
8:00am – 5:30pm

SAT
10:00pm – 3:00pm

for Alcohol Server Class Only

SUN
We are closed

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Don’t be shy. Let us know if you have any questions!

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