Staff

Contact: lhielema@nmchamber.org

Leslie is a Chicago native with over 15 years of global experience in transformational innovation, business development, and economic growth. She has spent a decade in strategic economic development and revenue generation including roles as Vice President at Florida Institute of Technology, and as Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President at Cablelabs, a trade association for the broadband industry. Prior, Hielema served as Chief Executive Officer of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she led a seven-county region.

Hielema received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Science in Management from Boston University in Rome, Italy.

Contact: jgardner@nmchamber.org

Janae Gardner began her role at NMCC as a policy intern to now managing the internal operations, member relations, sponsorship and events for the association. Janae graduated from the University of New Mexico with her degree in Communication (Go Lobos!). Born and raised in Albuquerque, she has a deep admiration for her hometown and its characteristics. Janae loves to explore New Mexico and is passionate about the work and commitment of this organization to make the state a better place to do business. 

Contact: ariley@nmchamber.org

Alison Riley was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and has lived in 7 different states before fate guided her to Albuquerque, where she discovered the true essence of home. Prior to joining NMCC, Alison worked on political campaigns ranging from ballot measure to presidential, mostly in field or communications roles.

Upon her arrival to the Land of Enchantment, Alison seamlessly transitioned into the state’s political realm working for several state representatives and was the Press Secretary for former Speaker Egolf. Most recently, she was the PR Director for the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion.

Alison holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication. She earned her Master’s degree in Political Communications at American University in Washington DC. In her free time, Alison enjoys reading, hiking with her dog, trying new restaurants, and exploring the beautiful state of New Mexico.

Contact: rleming@nmchamber.org

Rob Leming was born and raised in New Jersey but found a home in New Mexico, appreciating the high desert and mountain landscape as well as the diverse cultural heritage of the state. Prior to joining NMCC, Leming specialized in fundraising and communications strategy on political campaigns for some of New Mexico’s star statespeople including Senator Tom Udall, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, and many others at the state and local level. In those roles, he directed strategies raising over $5 million dollars.

Most recently he served as the Lead Government and Community Relations Manager for New Mexico’s largest electric utility, managing relationships with elected officials and community leaders in three of the state’s most populous cities ensuring the continued transition to renewable and sustainable energy and guiding the company’s positive community impact through charitable sponsorships and donations.

Leming holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from American University in Washington DC. He has served in executive roles on several non-profit Boards around community advocacy, education, and Autism acceptance. He is completely committed to participating in New Mexico’s growth and empowerment In his spare time, he enjoys studying the history of the Second World War, rebuilding and maintaining vintage aircraft, and spending time with his wife, son, and five dogs at home.

Contact: amarciano@nmchamber.org

Amythyst Marciano’s first passion was the shaping of words into powerful storytelling. Her second became sharing people’s stories. A NYC native with an ambition for eloquence, Amythyst initially refined her marketing communications career as a top-tier PR executive representing A-list industry icons, and later, as a university instructor of literature and lexis, director of education, magazine editor and more.

Amythyst brings a wealth of experience to the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce from past relationships with other chambers of commerce, the American Diabetes Association, CNM, Albuquerque The Magazine, and Explora Science Center, working in myriad capacities to compose and direct extensive external communications campaigns, productions, and andragogy—in short, telling New Mexico’s stories. And nothing makes her prouder.

(…except her son Tristan, even though those teenage years are a challenge!)

Contact: tburch@nmchamber.org

Theresa Burch grew up in Massachusetts and moved to New Mexico in 1999. Theresa has grown to love the landscape and the red chili in New Mexico. Theresa spent 10 years in the medical field as a medical assistant and participated in community projects while working for a non-profit and as a volunteer. Theresa has enjoyed working for varied businesses in the Albuquerque area as Administrative Assistant for the past 12 years. Theresa enjoys traveling to see family with her husband and daughter.

Contact: bspradlin@nmchamber.org

Benton Spradlin is a native New Mexican who has dedicated his professional life to educating and improving career opportunities for the youth of his beloved home state. In his twenty-seven year career in public education, he was a high school classroom teacher for twenty years. The remainder of his time in education was spent growing and funding Career Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for students and teachers alike. During his tenure in the classroom, Benton also served as a DECA advisor for eight years and a high school golf coach for twelve.

In his most recent role as the CTE Program Coordinator for the Rio Rancho Public Schools, he worked collaboratively with teammates to promote, recruit, and fund all thirty-six of the district’s CTE programs. He was primarily responsible for the application, securing, and stewardship of over $1 million in annual grant funding. In addition, he and his colleagues worked hand in hand with community leaders, teachers, administrators, and district leadership to enhance students’ career knowledge and opportunities.

Benton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from McMurry University (Abilene, TX), an MBA in Management Information Systems from the University of New Mexico, and a Level 3A Secondary New Mexico teaching license. He is also actively pursuing an Educational Leadership certificate through New Mexico Highlands University which he will soon complete. In his leisure time, Benton enjoys learning to play guitar, exercising, playing golf, and spending time with his wife, two teenage children, and close friends.