CHESS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Payroll Director
Adrienne Griego has been a higher education payroll professional for more than 15 years. As the CHESS Payroll Director, she will oversee the functions and alignment of processes for the Payroll Department and member colleges. In addition, she will lead the colleges in their payroll implementation and deployment of the Workday ERP.
Prior to CHESS, Adrienne served as the Payroll Director at CNM. In this role, she provided leadership and direction for all aspects of payroll processing, ensuring compliance of college policies; federal, state, and local regulations; and Collective Bargaining Agreements. She oversaw the development of internal quality assurance procedures and process improvements.
Before joining CNM, Adrienne held payroll and accounting positions at the University of New Mexico. She worked in public accounting as an auditor, focusing on governmental, higher education, and nonprofit entities.
Adrienne earned an MBA from Grand Canyon University and a BBA with a concentration in Accounting from The University of New Mexico. She is a Certified Payroll Professional and obtained a Global Payroll Management Certification.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- President
- Board Chair, President Santa Fe Community College / Santa Fe Community College
- Ex Officio
- Member of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Board
President Becky Rowley, Ph.D., is a leader in higher education and a champion for students. Rowley is chair of CHESS (Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services). She has served as chair of New Mexico Independent Community Colleges since 2015.
At SFCC, Dr. Rowley cultivates a collaborative environment with students, faculty, and staff to develop innovative programs and provide equitable learning environments for all students. She supports administrative efficiency and transparency; strong relationships with business, education, and government; and being responsive to the needs of the community. An advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusion, she oversees the President's Diversity Advisory Committee. She advances the College as a community hub for higher education and economic development.
Dr. Rowley is an ex officio member of the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Board and chairs the Higher Education Advisory Committee. She has served on the New Mexico State Workforce Development Board, Eastern Area Workforce Development Board, New Mexico Higher Education Strategic Planning Committee, and New Mexico Higher Education Governance Committee.
Previously, Dr. Rowley was president of Clovis Community College (NM), where she also served as Executive Vice President of Academics and Student Services and was a full-time English faculty member.
She holds a Ph.D. in English from University of New Mexico, a master's degree in English from University of Virginia, and a bachelor's degree in English and Latin with a minor in Political Science from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
Santa Fe Community College President Becky Rowley, Ph.D., is a leader in higher education and a champion for students. Rowley is chair of CHESS (Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services). She has served as chair of New Mexico Independent Community Colleges since 2015.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Board Member, Officer and President or Chair of Texas Community College Instructional Administrators
- SIS Functional Lead
Dr. Dani Day has served as a community college vice president for the last 20 years. In that capacity, she has been responsible for faculty and support personnel, academic policy, curriculum design and development, learning assessment, student success programming, libraries and learning resources, distance learning, P-12 partnerships, university partnerships, continuing and non-credit education, and faculty development. In addition to her academic affairs responsibilities, she has had oversight of Board policy management, advising, student academic planning, payroll administration, course scheduling and facility use, institutional research, and grants. Dr. Day served five years as the Chief IT Officer for one institution, six years as a legislative liaison and ten years as the liaison to the state higher education coordinating board. Dr. Day also spent 15 years as an accreditation liaison and reaffirmation consultant at large and small schools across the south and southwest, shepherding successful reaffirmations and producing over fifty successful substantive change prospectuses, including level changes and distance learning approvals.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Day has served as a Board member, officer and president or chair of Texas Community College Instructional Administrators, Texas Women in Higher Education, the National Association of Instructional Administrators, Roby Independent School District and the Starlink and Virtual College of Texas Advisory boards. She has also served on the Texas Undergraduate Educational Advisory Council, and the Texas Association of Community Colleges' Dual Credit Task Force. Prior to accepting full-time administrative roles, Dr. Day taught freshman composition and literature classes in community colleges, public and private universities and on high school campuses for dual credit. She has been actively involved in coaching and judging for Texas UIL speaking competitions, taking her debate team to state five years in a row and coaching a state champion in prose interpretation.
Dr. Day has a B.A. in Economics from Texas Christian University, an M.A. in English from University of Texas at Arlington, and an Ed. D. in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University in Boston. Prior to entering the field of education, she worked as an account manager for Xerox Corporation and as a freelance writer for corporate clients. She has three children and five grandchildren with whom she plays Magic the Gathering.
Job Titles:
- President
- President, Luna Community College / Luna Community College
President Dr. Edward Martinez is a native of northern New Mexico and a former student of the college he now heads. He is committed to enhancing the partnership between Luna and the communities it serves. Since becoming president in 2021, Martinez has implemented community education, opened a community kitchen and a food pantry, initiated continuing education programs, and re-established academic and workforce programs placed on hiatus due to the pandemic.
During the 2022 historic wildfires, Martinez opened the campus to more than 1,000 emergency response personnel as Luna became the U.S. Forest Service Incident Command Center. Martinez has played a major role in bringing land restoration workshops to the community to help address erosion, bring back vegetation, and build marketable skills for those impacted by the wildfires and subsequent floods.
Previously, Martinez served New Mexico Highlands University as Special Assistant to the President, founding Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and Professor of Forestry. In 2019, he was selected as an American Council on Education fellow, completing his fellowship at University of Nevada-Reno. Martinez's numerous successful grant authorships and publications have received national recognition for their focus on supporting underrepresented populations to succeed in STEM fields.
Martinez graduated from Mora High School, received welding certification through Luna Community College, and has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from NMHU. He earned a Master's in Environmental and Regional Planning and a Doctorate in Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences from Washington State University-Pullman.
Job Titles:
- Interim President
- Acting President of Clovis Community College
Dr. Robin Jones was named Acting President of Clovis Community College in August 2022. She is also the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs at CCC, a role she has held since 2011.
Dr. Jones has served the college for over 25 years, holding various positions including Dean of Allied Health, Chair of Allied Health and Human Services, and Nursing Program Director. She got her start at the college as a Nursing Instructor.
Before her time at CCC, she was a staff nurse in various departments at Plains Regional Medial Center.
Currently, Dr. Jones serves as a Higher Learning Commission Institutional Liaison, a Higher Learning Commission Peer Reviewer, and a New Mexico Curriculum Committee appointee. Throughout her tenure, she has also served as the Chair for the New Mexico Nursing Education Articulation Committee, a New Mexico Board of Nursing Board member, and as the New Mexico Board of Nursing Vice-Chair and Chair.
Dr. Jones earned a Doctorate in Education from New Mexico State University. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Texas A&M University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate Degree in Nursing, both from Eastern New Mexico University.
Job Titles:
- President
- Secretary
- Board Secretary President, San Juan College
- San Juan College As President
Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass joined San Juan College as President in 2012. Dr. Pendergrass began working in community college administration in 1995. She understands and embraces the community college philosophy and is committed to continuing to advance student success, community partnerships and economic development.
Previously, Dr. Pendergrass served as Vice President for Learning at San Jacinto College, South Campus in Houston, and as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success at El Centro College in Dallas.
Dr. Pendergrass serves on the board of the American Association of Community Colleges, New Mexico Independent Community Colleges, Higher Education Research and Development Institute, Center for Legislative Energy and Environmental Research University Advisory Board, San Juan College Foundation, Four Corners Innovations, Four Corners Economic Development, Four Corners Economic Development Foundation, Four Corners Educational Council for Student Success, San Juan Safe Communities, Leadership San Juan, and the Farmington Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Pendergrass received the 2014 Excellence for Student Achievement Award presented by the New Mexico School Boards Association in cooperation with the Farmington Board of Education. She led the effort of San Juan College being selected to participate in the American Association of Community College's Pathways 2.0 program.
She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration with a specialization in Community College Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. She holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics and Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Business, both from New Mexico State University.
Greg Saunders is Chief Operating Officer for CHESS. He brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience in operations, information technology, and project management to CHESS. In this role, he oversees CHESS projects in a collaborative, high-performing work environment and forges partnerships with leaders and teams at member colleges. He is the Senior Program Manager over implementations and directs and manages all program-related activities, ensuring alignment of processes to the CHESS vision among the members. In addition, he provides operational planning and establishes procedures to help grow the CHESS nonprofit organization.
Prior to CHESS, Greg acted as an independent advisor for various clients interested in software implementation, programs, policies, and procurement in the government sector. He also serves as a part-time instructor at Central New Mexico Community College teaching college-level courses in the business and computer fields.
Greg was the Judiciary Chief Information Officer for the New Mexico Supreme Court through the Administrative Offices of the Courts. He managed a statewide technical program and was directly involved with strategic policy.
Previously, Greg served as Chief Information Officer for the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, overseeing four major programs including tax revenue collection, oil and gas royalties, motor vehicle department, and property taxes. He was also Chief Information Officer and Deputy Executive Director of the New Mexico Gaming Control Board. He was instrumental in setting up the IT infrastructure, creating new policy and rules, implementing and electronic monitoring system for slot machines, creating a licensing process, and assisting licensees with setup, operations, and compliance.
Greg obtained both his Master of Arts in Organizational Management and his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Job Titles:
- President
- President, Northern New Mexico College
Hector Balderas, JD, CFE, brings years of experience in public service to his role as President at Northern New Mexico College, working to build coalitions and unify opposing constituencies. He is a champion of the underserved, those whose voices are not normally heard.
President Balderas was raised by a single mother in the village of Wagon Mound, New Mexico. Growing up in public housing and on food stamps, he learned the importance of compassion and respect, and gained the conviction that everyone-no matter their background-deserves the same opportunities to succeed.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from New Mexico Highlands University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Mexico Law School. He served as a Bernalillo County Assistant District Attorney, as a New Mexico State Representative, and twice as New Mexico's State Auditor.
During two terms as Attorney General, he transformed the Special Prosecutions Division, Special Investigations Division, and Human Trafficking Task Force and expanded the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. His Criminal Appeals Division obtained landmark Supreme Court opinions and his civil court victories include the largest Tobacco Settlement payment in state history. He focused on keeping children and families safe, empowering families and small businesses for financial success, and protecting New Mexico's pristine environment. He is licensed to practice law in New Mexico and is a Certified Fraud Examiner. He also donates time working with at-risk children and the special needs community.
Job Titles:
- Communications Specialist
- Communications
Karen is a highly skilled professional with a strong academic background and a passion for higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Media, which she obtained from Douglass College at Rutgers University. With over eight years of experience in the field of higher education, Karen has demonstrated her commitment to the industry by serving in various roles, contributing to the success of academic institutions, and fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Her dedication to promoting educational excellence is evident through her work in Career Technical Education marketing and outreach, student service excellence, and academic support positions. Before working in higher education, Karen owned and operated a successful fundraising business to support school and non-profit organizational success for eight years.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Karen finds solace and joy in outdoor activities, particularly at the beach, bike riding, and nature photography. These hobbies not only serve as a source of relaxation but also reflect her adventurous spirit and love for nature. Karen is a well-rounded individual who brings her diverse skills and interests to the table, making her a valuable asset in the higher education landscape.
Katherine (Kathy) Ulibarri is Chief Executive Officer of the Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services, Inc. (CHESS). As CEO, she sets the vision and strategic direction for CHESS and leads the deployment of strategic priorities.
Kathy also owns K Ulibarri Consulting, LLC., where she shares her rich experience as a senior level executive with others in need of executive coaching, strategic planning guidance, and management consulting expertise. She cultivates executives and leaders who dream big and embrace their ability to bring about positive change by clarifying their vision, eliminating barriers to action, and achieving positive results.
Prior to forming K Ulibarri Consulting, LLC, Kathy served as Vice President for Finance & Operations at Central New Mexico Community College, the state's largest community college. In that role, she was the Chief Financial Officer and oversaw strategic planning, institutional research, finance, treasury management, accounting, information technology services, construction, maintenance and operations, human resources, labor relations, procurement, contracts and grants, among other duties. Before that, she served as Executive Director of Planning, Budget and Institutional Research and as Special Assistant to the President at CNM.
Previously, Kathy served as the Deputy Director and as Interim Cabinet Secretary at the New Mexico Higher Education Department. She was the Budget Director for Albuquerque Public Schools; held several posts at the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education; and worked at the University of New Mexico, including as Director for Cooperative Education.
Kathy contributes time to a variety of boards and organizations and currently serves as Treasurer on the board of Homewise, Inc. She earned a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from University of New Mexico.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager
- Senior Program Manager
Marcos Garcia is the Sr. Program Manager for CHESS. He brings over 31 years of leadership experience, information technology, and project management to CHESS. In this role, he oversees project implementations, directs, and manages all program-related activities, ensuring alignment of processes to the CHESS vision among the members.
Marcos obtained his Master of Science in Business Management from St. Louis University and his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the College of Santa Fe and Bachelor of Arts in Management from the New Mexico Highlands University. Marcos enjoys Jeep explorations in the mountains, fishing, gardening and spending time with his wife and children.
Michael Chavez-Kerr has been in the higher education landscape for 20 years. As the Workday Support Manager, he will oversee the functions and administration of support of the Workday platform in partnership with CHESS member colleges.
Prior to CHESS, Michael served as the Director of the Finance and Operations Business Analyst Team at CNM. In this role, he provided leadership and direction for all aspects of support for CNM's Finance and Operations and Human Resources divisions. This included support of the existing Enterprise Resource Planning system, third-party applications, and various automations and workflows.
Before joining CNM, Michael held positions at University of New Mexico and University of Colorado. He also has worked in the private sector for Verizon in the technical and sales areas.
Michael earned an associate degree from New Mexico State University, a bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico, and will complete a master's degree from Webster University in 2023.
Job Titles:
- Help Desk Manager
- Service Desk Manager
Mike Russell brings over 20 years of leadership experience in IT Service Management in healthcare, food and beverage, technology, and higher education. At CHESS, he is responsible for implementing and managing the help desk, partnering with the member colleges to provide an effective and efficient service management ecosystem.
Previously, Mike was a consultant with CampusWorks fulfilling senior management and IT service management roles for higher education clients.
Mike also served as the Senior Help Desk Manger at Jack in the Box Restaurants, supporting technical operations for over 2,500 restaurants nationwide and implemented service desks in Manila, Philippines and Queretaro, Mexico.
Prior to Jack in the Box, he spent 25 years in healthcare IT in technical and managerial roles.
Job Titles:
- Officer
- Strategic Change Officer
Mindy Watson is the Strategic Change officer for the Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services, Inc. (CHESS). As the SCO, she provides strategy and change leadership to create a people-centric approach in support of the CHESS Mission, Vision, and Values.
Prior to joining CHESS, Mindy served as the Director of Assessment, Academic Program Review, and Special Projects at Santa Fe Community College in Santa Fe, NM. In that role, she oversaw assessment and academic program review for the College as well as assisting with HLC accreditation duties, serving as interim Grants Director, and teaching as an adjunct instructor, among other duties. Also, during her time at SFCC, Mindy served as the Change Management Workstream Lead for the CHESS Workday Wave 1 Enterprise Resource Planning Project implementation.
Previously, Mindy served as the Executive Director of Planning and Sponsored Projects at Clovis Community College, in Clovis, NM where she oversaw the office of Institutional Research, developed and launched integrated institutional planning, provided compliance and oversight of all federal grants, and developed state and federal grant proposals.
Mindy holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration, Community College concentration from Texas Tech University; a master's in Audiology from the University of Iowa, and a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders from West Texas A&M University.
Job Titles:
- President
- Vice Chair
- Board Vice Chair President, Central New Mexico Community College / the Central New Mexico Community College
Governing Board unanimously selected Tracy Hartzler to become the sixth president of CNM in November 2019; she began her presidency on Jan. 1, 2020.
Before becoming CNM President, Ms. Hartzler was CNM's Vice President for Finance and Operations and has been at CNM since 2015. She has served the public sector for more than 25 years in education, government, and policy roles. Since 2011, Ms. Hartzler has played a significant role in shaping postsecondary education in New Mexico, first with the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee, and later with CNM.
Before becoming CNM President, she served as treasurer for both CNM Ingenuity, Inc., and CNM Foundation. She has held various positions at the College, overseeing budgeting and finance, strategic planning, accreditation and research, human resources, facilities, information technology, and other operational functions. She also served on the state's Complete College America team, advocating for policies that improve student retention and completion. In 2019, President Hartzler served as the Governor's appointee to the New Mexico State Investment Council.
Previously, Ms. Hartzler served as Special Assistant Attorney General for the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and as Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C.
President Hartzler earned a Juris Doctorate from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America, a Master of Education Degree from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree, cum laude, from Saint Mary's College in Indiana.
Job Titles:
- Talent Training & Development Officer
Trish Heaton is the Talent Training & Development Officer for CHESS. She brings over 16 years in higher education, and over 12 years focused on training, learning, and development. As Training Officer, Trish will manage training for the Workday Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation and Student Information System. She also will develop programs to support functions outside of these projects. Before joining CHESS, Trish was the Director of Learning and Development at CNM, the Co-Coordinator for the Workday Training Team, and a member of the Human Resources Workstream and Change Management Team. Previously, she has held roles in human resources, organizational development and training at UNM.
Prior to her work in higher education, Trish spent 16 years in the hospitality sector working for Marriott International including roles in all areas of hotel management. During her career, she has successfully led implementation of system and training rollouts, establishing new departments, enterprise-wide training implementations, and launching an Employee Learning Management System.
She has an associate degree from CNM and a Bachelor of Business Management from UNM.