BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gabe Anaya
President
Gabe Anaya, President, has a rich background in education and military service. With a BS from NMSU and an MA from Western New Mexico University, Gabe devoted 30 years to teaching Mathematics at Silver City High School and Las Cruces High School. His military career spanned 30 years in the United States Army, both active and reserves, culminating in his retirement as a Colonel.
Gabe’s dedication to volunteer work is evident in his involvement with various organizations, including the Friends of the John Paul Taylor Historical Society, Mesilla Valley Catholic Serra Club for Vocations, Advisor for Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity at NMSU, and the Finance Council at Basilica of San Albino.
Michael Lilly
Secretary
Michael W. Lilley is a retired attorney who was in private practice in Las Cruces for almost 40 years. He has served on the boards of many non-profit and professional organizations, including Southwest Environmental Center, Las Cruces Running Club, New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, New Mexico Environmental Law Center, New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (NMCDLA), American Civil Liberties Union (southern NM chapter) and Third Judicial District and New Mexico Court of Appeals nominating commissions.
He participated in several humanitarian aid caravans to war-torn areas in Central America with Pastors for Peace. He also was an NMCDLA lobbyist for many years at the New Mexico legislature.
J. Herb Torres
Treasurer
J. Herb Torres, serving as Treasurer, is a native of El Paso, Texas, and was raised in Las Cruces. He is a proud alumnus of New Mexico State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in K-12 School Administration. Herb’s extensive career in education spans 41 years, including roles as a classroom teacher and school/district level administrator.
His retirement in 2017 followed a consultancy role with New Mexico charter schools. Herb’s service extends beyond his professional career, as evidenced by his involvement in various professional, civic, and church organizations. He is currently the Past President of Serra Catholic Vocations of the Mesilla Valley and Treasurer for Hearts for Autism Board of Directors.
Robert Crecelius
Board Member
Robert served in both the Criminal Justice and Mental Health systems, focusing on the design and implementation of alternatives to incarceration for non-violent, high-risk, multicultural populations. Robert received an MSW from Washington University and a PhD in Public Policy from Saint Louis University. He has served on over 25 boards and collaborative inter-agency committees.
As Chief Probation Officer, Robert was a key player in the implementation of a Female Drug Court, STOP research, a Mental Health Court, and a SAMHSA Mental Health Jail Diversion Grant. During his tenure, the number of Municipal Court detainees was reduced from greater than 250 to less than 10, with minimal additional risk to public safety.
Dennis Lee
Board Member
Dennis L. Lee is a retired federal employee having worked 31 years in the emergency management field for the Federal Emergency Management Agency – Region VI Federal Regional Center and the Small Business Administration – Disaster Assistance Division. He was born in California, grew up in Maryland and lived in Texas before retiring to New Mexico. Dennis’ career with the government required extensive travel throughout New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana, where he served during several notable national disasters including Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Katrina, the Oklahoma City Bombing and the Space Shuttle Columbia disasters.
Dennis and his wife, Karen retired to New Mexico in early 2020. They were active in several volunteer activities in Texas including The Salvation Army and numerous animal rescue charities. They formed their own non-profit animal rescue, Barkleyworld, based in Texas, where Karen serves as the President. They enjoy volunteering, travelling, hiking, and spending time with their little dog, Zuri.
Linda Ott
Board Member
I have served on many Non-Profit Boards in the past 30 years. I retired in 1990 because I remarried and moved to Egypt. Since then, I have volunteered for many organizations. I have served on the Board of People Living in the Dump, Cairo, Egypt, Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery, YWCA, El Paso, ALS/NM, and Tutti Bambini. I am a member of P.E.O. My extended family is very important to me as is my Community. I retired as a Director of a Court Reporting College in Abilene, Texas.
Education: BA – University of Nebraska
Wittara “Tip” Smutassadong
Board Member
Born in Thailand, Wittara “Tip” Smutassadong brings a global perspective to her role. Wittara, who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette and a Master’s in Hospitality from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including various management roles in hotels and restaurants.
Wittara is deeply committed to volunteerism, focusing her efforts on supporting the less fortunate, a passion she has nurtured throughout her adult life.
Terry Frank
Board Member