NM Education Trust Board Announces New Member of Board of Directors
For Immediate Release
Contact: Joanie Griffin
505.261.4444
jgriffin@sunny505.com
Santa Fe, NM - October 2023 – New Mexico Education Trust Board (NMETB) the state agency that administers New Mexico’s 529 Education Savings Programs, announced that Chamiza Pacheco de Alas has been appointed to the Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for making rules and regulations for the development and implementation of the Education Trust Act.
Pacheco de Alas is currently the director of New Mexico programs for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF). In this role, she supports the foundation’s efforts to promote thriving children, working families and equitable communities in New Mexico. Pacheco de Alas is responsible for leadership and vision in program conceptualization, design, planning, programming, management, coordination, communication, evaluation, policy and learning of grantmaking in New Mexico. Pacheco de Alas leads statewide grantmaking priorities in collaboration and partnership with the New Mexico team, grantees, communities, and other stakeholders throughout the region.
Prior to her current role, she served as the chief of staff of the UNM Health Sciences Center (HSC). In that role, she served as senior advisor to the chancellor/executive vice president and member of the HSC executive leadership team. Pacheco de Alas was responsible for oversight of all public affairs for the HSC including government relations, community engagement, and communications. Pacheco de Alas led mission-based special initiatives at the Office of the Chancellor including those addressing behavioral health, homelessness, system improvements, and child abuse. Pacheco de Alas analyzed health policy and related issues and oversaw the successful passage of several substantive bills and significant increase in appropriations, including funding for a Child Maltreatment Center of Excellence, capital funding for a hospital tower, and Health Equity Scholarships for Medical students.
Pacheco de Alas is the recipient of numerous awards, including 1999 Harry S. Truman Scholar, 2019 Albuquerque Business Weekly 40 Under 40 awardee and UNM Regents Scholar.
A native of New Mexico, Pacheco de Alas received her BA in Political Science and Economics from The University of New Mexico and her Doctor of Law from Yale Law School.
“Chamiza is a spectacular addition to the Education Trust Board,” said Gary L. Gordon, Board Chair. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and direct experience to NMETB. Chamiza’s expertise will be beneficial as we continue our mission of making a variety of education options attainable for families by offering a flexible, low-cost, tax-efficient way to save for future education expenses.”
ABOUT THE EDUCATION TRUST BOARD
The Education Trust Board is the governing body for the New Mexico 529 education savings programs. The board is administratively attached to the New Mexico Higher Education Department. Members are appointed by the Governor, Senate Pro Tem, and Speaker of the House of Representatives. The board is responsible for making rules and regulations for the development and implementation of the Education Trust Act. A 529 education savings plan is a tax-advantaged account designed to help pay for future education expenses. The State of New Mexico sponsors two plans: a direct-sold plan (The Education Plan) and an advisor-sold plan (Scholars Edge).
To learn more about New Mexico’s 529 Education Savings Programs, visit nmetb.org.
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