Association Board of Directors Election
This is a two-year term running from February 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027.
Online Voting is now taking place. You must be a registered member of the New Mexico Route 66 Association in order to vote.
Online Voting is now taking place. You must be a registered member of the New Mexico Route 66 Association in order to vote.
You may cast your votes online below from December 16, 2025 - January 6, 2026
Winners will be notified by January 15, 2026
New board members start February 1, 2026
Winners will be notified by January 15, 2026
New board members start February 1, 2026
Online Voting Instructions
Please read over each candidates qualifications below before casting your votes. Once your votes are cast, there is no changing them. To assure all votes are received, accounted for, and logged, we ask that all votes be made using the ballot below.
Each registered member of the New Mexico Route 66 Association is eligible to cast a total of eight votes: one for each candidate they would like to nominate. Election ballots received with more that eight votes will be rejected.
Thank you for being a part of this important election process.
- The Board of Directors is comprised of nine members.
- There are eight openings beginning in 2026.
- There are a total of nine candidates running for those positions.
- Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
- Your voting ballot is located beneath the list of candidates.
Each registered member of the New Mexico Route 66 Association is eligible to cast a total of eight votes: one for each candidate they would like to nominate. Election ballots received with more that eight votes will be rejected.
Thank you for being a part of this important election process.
Board of Director Candidate Profiles
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Victoria Archuleta
Association or Route 66 Experience
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors I would like to serve on the Board of Directors because Los Lunas was part of the original Route 66 alignment before it was rerouted in 1937, giving our community a unique place in the history of the Mother Road. Preserving and promoting this heritage is important not only for Los Lunas, but for celebrating New Mexico’s broader cultural legacy. What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role? I offer a blend of economic development expertise, project management skills, and a passion for storytelling that highlights New Mexico’s cultural assets. I excel at bringing diverse partners together, securing resources, and building initiatives that enhance tourism, community identity, and statewide visibility. How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66? The New Mexico Route 66 Association can enhance the lives of its members and strengthen Route 66 by promoting preservation, tourism, and economic opportunity along the corridor. By elevating historic sites, supporting local businesses, and fostering statewide collaboration, the Association can help communities celebrate their heritage while creating new avenues for cultural and economic vitality. |
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Melissa Beasley-Lee
Association or Route 66 Experience
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors I would like to continue the projects I have implemented to assist Route 66 businesses and communities with economic development, tourism, and historic preservation for the betterment of Route 66 throughout New Mexico. What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role? For going on 10 years, I have dedicated myself to uplifting the New Mexico Route 66 Association and its quarterly magazine from a near inactive state. I’ve led the association through a rebranding starting with updating the logo in 2017. From there, I updated the formatting and content of the New Mexico Route 66 magazine, worked with a web designer to create a new website when ours became nearing an obsolete stage in 2020, and recently switched the association over from group member emails to an online newsletter platform. In 2019, I helped the board introduce online voting that has been used in elections assuring every member, no matter where they reside in the US and around the world, receives their chance to vote. Since my presidency in 2016, membership has grown significantly and continues to grow. To stay abreast of state centennial information, projects, and events, I have attended all quarterly centennial coordination group meetings and shared pertinent information with Route 66 businesses through our newsletter, website, and social media outlets. In May 2023, I started a go-fund-me campaign to raise money to restore hail damaged neon signs in Tucumcari. In addition to funding the project, I was part of the neon restoration team, accomplishing most of the hands-on work. Additionally, I acquired a $50,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to assist with the Tucumcari neon project as well as produce 4 neon related instructional videos that will be provided online, free of cost, worldwide. Most recently, I have overseen centennial merchandising, creating several fun items for the public to enjoy, including a free activity page added to our quarterly magazine, and provided via download from the association website. In partnership with our sister Route 66 states, I have recently launched the Route 66 Roadside Attraction program for New Mexico. This program allows an affordable opportunity for businesses to promote and share the history of their establishment. How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66? Continue to work together for the betterment of the Route 66 communities throughout New Mexico leading up to the Centennial and into the next 100 years. |
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Anna Cordova
Association or Route 66 Experience
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors I am currently on the board and would like to continue serving I do enjoy the history of Route 66 and enjoy learning and taking part in what the future holds in preserving the history to keep it going for many more years. What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role? I get to visit with many visitors from all over the world and have learned from many on what they are looking for and are interested in. I try my best to keep visitors informed on the history of Route 66 and surrounding areas in our state so they get a great experience. How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66? I feel that the Route 66 Association is already doing a great job introducing and encouraging its members on what is happening on Route 66 and keeping them informed in what is going on at all times. |
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Donatella Davanzo
Association or Route 66 Experience
Briefly describe why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors. I plan to contribute to the association by implementing the New Mexico Route 66 magazine with visual and oral material to draw attention to the road and its local communities. This material can enhance the role of the association in preserving the history and heritage of Route 66. Especially in view of the upcoming Centennial, the association needs to engage national and international travelers in the historic, social, and multicultural significance of both Route 66 and the Land of Enchantment. My archival research and on-site photographic exploration of historic commercial properties in their current reality will offer a significant portrayal of the contemporary tangible, symbolic, and ethnic legacy of Route 66 in New Mexico. They will provide a visual evidence of the commercial properties still in operation and the historic remains along the road, which I documented in the period 2022-2025. By using them, the association can inspire interest in the local communities and encourage travelers to explore the historic route. Periodically, I help to deliver the Route 66 magazine and programs in the Albuquerque area and, if necessary, in different towns. Lastly, in 2025, I prepared the cruiser’s guide for the Motor Tour that the association organized, traveling from Gallup to Albuquerque. Updating my visual and research archive is part of my effort to encourage people to experience Route 66 in the upcoming Motor Tour organized by the association for the Centennial. What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role? As a documentary photographer, preservationist, and cultural anthropologist, I am interested in an exploration of both rural and urban cultural landscapes. I can contribute to the knowledge of the aesthetic elements and symbols of the Route 66 era to help revitalization of commercial facilities and local communities, and to preserve Route 66 legacy for the Centennial and beyond. Moreover, my Italian heritage, combined with knowledge of the contemporary road, can be helpful to implement the planning for the Centennial by considering various aspects and ideas that specifically refer to the international travelers, to productively promote Route 66 and New Mexico also overseas. How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66? Considering the evolution of Route 66 over time, a significant aspect is how the road is changing are the recent economic, cultural, and social needs that affect the road and its commercial properties, such as the eastern area of Albuquerque. The association could support local communities by encouraging preservation and revitalization of the historic structures and promoting tourism through grants and educational initiatives. Moreover, the association could increase the public awareness of the multicultural identity of Route 66. Especially during the Centennial, the different ethnicities that historically have characterized New Mexico could be highlighted as one of the most relevant components of the Mother Road’s heritage. |
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Elizabeth (Betty) DeSoto
Association or Route 66 Experience
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors I would like to serve on the Board of Directors to help celebrate the 100th birthday of Route 66. I would also like to learn more history of the area where I live. What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role? Thanks to the technology of Zoom, I'm able to attend the meetings since I am still employed. I can also do telephone calls and computer work if needed. How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66? The New Mexico Route 66 Association can help bring the history of Route 66 alive for us and those of the younger generation. So many places are gone now and need to be remembered. |
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Denise Hanson
Association or Route 66 Experience: I have a strong track record of leading community-driven initiatives along the New Mexico stretch of Route 66, including major projects in Grants such as the MainStreet Mural Initiative, the Spokes on 66 Car Show, the River Walk Park/MainStreet Commons enhancements, and multiple tourism marketing campaigns. My work consistently brings together residents, businesses, and visitors to strengthen Route 66’s cultural, historic, and economic impact. Serving on the board would allow me to expand that impact statewide and collaborate with partners to elevate Route 66 as a destination for future generations. Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors I want to serve on the Board to support the communities along Route 66 and help preserve its history, culture, and identity. I am passionate about bringing people together, expanding tourism, and enhancing the experiences that make Route 66 a cherished destination for residents and visitors alike. What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role? I bring strong skills in community engagement, tourism development, strategic marketing, and partnership building. I excel at organizing large events, coordinating cross-agency collaborations, and using data to guide decision-making. I am detail-oriented, dependable, and committed to elevating Route 66 communities through creative problem-solving and collaborative leadership. How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66? The association can enhance the lives of its members by fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and amplifying the voices of communities along the corridor. By bringing together businesses, local governments, and Route 66 advocates, the Association creates a unified network that supports growth, revitalization, and long-term sustainability of the Mother Road. |
Mike Lee
Association or Route 66 Experience
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
To help spearhead restoration projects, support the efforts of the association, and complete unfinished business from my previous term for the benefit of Route 66 businesses and communities. I have also been working with various businesses and communities on new projects for the Route 66 Centennial and would like to represent the association as a board member to spearhead these projects.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
Leadership, organizational skills, sales.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
Continue to build on the programs solidified during the last two years.
Association or Route 66 Experience
- Board member 2022-2024
- Owner and CEO of Fast TV Network, producer of Legends of Route 66
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
To help spearhead restoration projects, support the efforts of the association, and complete unfinished business from my previous term for the benefit of Route 66 businesses and communities. I have also been working with various businesses and communities on new projects for the Route 66 Centennial and would like to represent the association as a board member to spearhead these projects.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
Leadership, organizational skills, sales.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
Continue to build on the programs solidified during the last two years.
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Delene Santillanes
Association or Route 66 Experience My Route 66 experience is shaped not only by my work with the City of Gallup, but also by my personal background as a Native American who grew up along Route 66 and on the reservation. Living in this region has given me a deep understanding of the people, cultures, and communities that make this stretch of highway so meaningful. Gallup sits at a major crossroads where Route 66 has long connected tribal communities, local families, and travelers from around the world. Because of my lived experience here, I bring an authentic perspective to how we promote community events, cultural programming, and visitor engagement. I regularly collaborate with local organizations, tourism partners, and event planners to highlight Gallup’s Route 66 identity through parades, festivals, marketing efforts, and other community-focused initiatives. My connection to the area—both professionally and personally—has given me a strong appreciation for the history, culture, and everyday life that surround Route 66. My involvement continues to focus on showcasing Gallup’s unique character, supporting local businesses, uplifting Indigenous representation, and helping create memorable experiences for residents and travelers along this legendary highway. Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors I would like to serve on the Route 66 Association board to represent and connect my communities to Route 66 enthusiasts at the state, national, and international levels. Through my personal experience as a Native American who has grown up along Route 66 and my professional work in Gallup, I bring a deep understanding of the people, cultures, and communities that make this corridor unique. My goal is to ensure that our communities’ voices and stories are shared widely, fostering meaningful connections and enriching the Route 66 experience for visitors and residents alike. What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role? I bring to the New Mexico Route 66 Association board a strong connection to local communities and a commitment to representing their voices. As a Native American who has lived along Route 66, I offer an authentic understanding of Indigenous cultures and perspectives. I am highly collaborative, skilled at building partnerships with organizations, tourism partners, and event planners, and I communicate effectively, sharing stories and initiatives that engage both residents and visitors. Above all, I am a passionate advocate for Route 66, dedicated to promoting and celebrating it as a cultural and economic asset for our communities. How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66? The New Mexico Route 66 Association can enhance the lives of its members by connecting them with fellow enthusiasts, sharing stories, and providing opportunities to take part in events that celebrate Route 66. For the highway itself, the association can promote tourism, support local businesses, and highlight the unique culture and communities along Route 66, helping keep this historic road vibrant and meaningful. |
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Nam Tran
Association or Route 66 Experience
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors My love for the history of Route 66. I understand what Route 66 communities enjoy and their needs. I feel it is important these communities continue to thrive and celebrate its history as well as its future. I can serve as their voice as a board of director. What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role? I'll bring my intelligence, my love of history, my creative thinking, and my beautiful face... My networking circle is enormous and filled with people who are accomplishing great things just as I am. Connecting these people with the New Mexico Route 66 Association can offer vast opportunities to grow and succeed that the association has not had previously. As a Gen Exer, my favorite version of Get Your Kicks on Route 66 is by Depeche Mode. How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66? By creating more buzz of the infamous route that would generate more revenue to help restore the rich history by keeping it alive for generations to come. Also by fixing up some of the historic buildings so they will be here for my children and their children to experience. |
Election Information
Board of Directors terms, roles and responsibilities:
TERMS
The term of office of the Board of Directors shall be for two years. There are no limits to consecutive terms of office for directors.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
TERMS
The term of office of the Board of Directors shall be for two years. There are no limits to consecutive terms of office for directors.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend all board meetings, committee meetings and functions throughout the state and be prepared to participate.
- Serve on a minimum of one (1) committee and offer to take on special assignments as needed.
- Participate actively in the board’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.
- Stay informed about board and committee matters; review and comment on minutes and reports.
- Keep up-to-date on developments in the association’s field.
- Follow developments in state and local areas that may affect the association and inform board of such information.
- Determine and monitor the association’s products and programs.
- Participate actively in the sale and distribution of association’s products and programs.
- Participate in fundraising for the association’s operations to finance products and programs adequately.
- Participate actively in the sale of new ads for the New Mexico Route 66 magazine and follow up on all previous ads.
- Distribute New Mexico Route 66 magazine in his/her area.
- Manage resources efficiently and effectively.
- Enhance the association’s public image.
- Inform others about the association.
- Participate actively in recruiting new memberships and follow up on renewal memberships as needed.
- Canvas elected officials and local leaders in his/her community for preservation needs and projects and who can help implement them.
- Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities such as reviewing the association’s annual financial statements.
- Suggest nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the association.
- Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies.
- Maintain association membership.
