Staff

downtown albuquerque

NMCC’s staff has exceptional experience working with and in New Mexico government, giving us the expertise and influence we need to effect positive change in our state policies.

Rob Black

Rob Black

President & CEO

Contact: rblack@nmchamber.org

Born, and raised in New Mexico, Rob Black brings over twenty-one years of experience and leadership in public policy, advocacy and economic development to his role as the President/CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to joining NMCC, Black was Senior Director for Community Relations at Pacific Gas and Electric of California, one of the largest combined gas and electric utility companies in the country.  During his tenure, he ran the company’s $28 million annual charitable and community initiatives, volunteer programs and professional sports sponsorships.

Black previously led the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, a 1,000 member nonprofit trade organization supporting the interests of the San Francisco Bay Area restaurant industry. Prior to that, Rob lobbied and advocated for the business community as the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s Vice President for Public Policy.  Black also served on the board of directors for both SF Made, a non-profit organization working to build and support a vibrant manufacturing sector in San Francisco and SF Travel, San Francisco’s travel and tourism association.

Black holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of New Mexico (go Lobos!), and a juris doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Prior to his lobbying and advocacy work, Black worked internationally supporting democratic transitions in countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America and was the National Director for Special Projects for the Screen Actors Guild in Los Angeles.

Janae Amparan

Janae Amparan

Director of Operations & Business Development

Contact: jamparan@nmchamber.org

Janae Amparan 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. 

Rob Leming

Rob Leming

Director of Programs

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.

Selah Cantwell

Selah Cantwell

Manager of Media & Communications

Contact: scantwell@nmchamber.org

Selah Cantwell began her role at NMCC in 2019 as a policy intern now manages the association’s graphic design, media, and communications. She was born in Albuquerque and is proud to help represent businesses in her home state through her work with the chamber. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of New Mexico, and has a passion for public service. She enjoys traveling to new places and being outdoors during her free time. 

Theresa Burch

Theresa Burch

Administrative & Special Projects Coordinator

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.

 

Nectaria Kurth

Nectaria Kurth

Programs Coordinator

Contact: nkurth@nmchamber.org

Nectaria Kurth was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is currently in her last year of undergraduate studies at the University of New Mexico where she is fulfilling a dual degree in Sociology and Political Science and a minor in Philosophy. She is especially interested in pursuing a career in public policy and legal work after graduation. Outside of work, Nectaria spends her free time silversmithing jewelry, skiing and spending time with friends and family.