Staff

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.

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. 

Contact: ccanada@nmchamber.org

Chelsea Canada grew up in Southern Colorado and has strong familial roots in New Mexico. Canada always knew she would find her way to New Mexico with fond memories of camping at her family’s ranch in Roy, New Mexico while growing up. Canada is a public policy professional with experience across a variety of policy areas including higher education, K-12 public education, workforce development, among other focus areas.

Recently, Canada served as a senior policy analyst for the New Mexico Legislative Education Study Committee where she advised legislators on public policy decisions related to the teacher and administrator workforces. Canada previously worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures supporting legislators across the country on public policy issues related to labor and employment. Canada also served as an advisor to the Colorado Senate Minority Leader, her hometown state senator, on a variety of issues facing the state.

Canada started her career in public policy when she was elected by 30,000 graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Colorado-Boulder as President of External Affairs for the student government. Alongside two other executives, she oversaw a $24 million dollar budget. Canada worked with the City of Boulder, State of Colorado, and nationally to bring light to issues facing students. For example, she successfully worked with the City of Boulder to increase lighting near student housing.

Canada holds a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Denver.  For her graduate thesis, Canada explored how Colorado’s aging population led to a nursing shortage and proposed policy solutions.

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. 

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 travelling to see family with her husband and daughter.