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New Mexico
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Our Board of Directors bring their specific talents and time to our organization and we are so thankful for their tireless enthusiasm and support.
If you are interested in becoming an officer, board member, or advisor sometime down the road, we'd love to hear from you!
Melissa Beasley-Lee (President 2015 - Present)
Association or Route 66 Experience
President, NM Route 66 Association, 2015 - Present
Board Member, National Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, New Mexico Rep., 2017 - Present.
Editor-In-Chief, New Mexico Route 66 Magazine.
Merchandiser, New Mexico Route 66 Association.
Hostess of Legends of Route 66, Fast TV Network, Inc. (Worldwide Programming) since 2019. On the show I let people know I am the President of the NM Route 66 Association. We promote the association at the end of every episode by displaying our magazines and encouraging people to sign up to become members. We also promote our 7 sister Route 66 states and associations as well as the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, National Park Service, and National Trust of Historic Preservation.
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 nine years, I have dedicated myself to rebuilding the NM 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 our last two 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 2017, membership has grown significantly and continues to grow. 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 have been part of the neon restoration team, accomplishing the majority of hands on work. Most recently I acquired a $50,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to assist with the Tucumcari neon project as well as produce two neon related instructional videos that will be provided online, free of cost, worldwide.
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 on into the next 100 years.
Association or Route 66 Experience
President, NM Route 66 Association, 2015 - Present
Board Member, National Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, New Mexico Rep., 2017 - Present.
Editor-In-Chief, New Mexico Route 66 Magazine.
Merchandiser, New Mexico Route 66 Association.
Hostess of Legends of Route 66, Fast TV Network, Inc. (Worldwide Programming) since 2019. On the show I let people know I am the President of the NM Route 66 Association. We promote the association at the end of every episode by displaying our magazines and encouraging people to sign up to become members. We also promote our 7 sister Route 66 states and associations as well as the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership, National Park Service, and National Trust of Historic Preservation.
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 nine years, I have dedicated myself to rebuilding the NM 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 our last two 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 2017, membership has grown significantly and continues to grow. 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 have been part of the neon restoration team, accomplishing the majority of hands on work. Most recently I acquired a $50,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to assist with the Tucumcari neon project as well as produce two neon related instructional videos that will be provided online, free of cost, worldwide.
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 on into the next 100 years.
Nam Tran (Vice President)
Association or Route 66 Experience
I work in various capacities along pre-1937 Route 66 as well as the Central Avenue corridor throughout Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
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.
Association or Route 66 Experience
I work in various capacities along pre-1937 Route 66 as well as the Central Avenue corridor throughout Albuquerque and Bernalillo County.
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.
Sharidynn Denetchiley (Secretary & Treasurer)
Association or Route 66 Experience
I am from the Dine' (Navajo) Nation, the largest reservation Route 66 runs through in New Mexico. At the age of 18, I moved to Albuquerque and have worked with Pueblo Tribal Governors and the Navajo Nation along Route 66.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
As a Native American, I think there should be more communication and connections to the reservations, pueblos, and backyard communities that Route 66 runs through. Creating Allie’s and spaces for acknowledgment.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
I have good communication, networking, planning, and organizing skills. I’m also a creative person who can introduce new programs and events to help and promote Route 66.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
By networking, connecting, communicating and organizing. Exploring ideas and branching off to make events or resources that are developmental for the success and continuation of Route 66. Working through streamlines of owners, artists, and entertainers that can evolve. Community interacting.
Association or Route 66 Experience
I am from the Dine' (Navajo) Nation, the largest reservation Route 66 runs through in New Mexico. At the age of 18, I moved to Albuquerque and have worked with Pueblo Tribal Governors and the Navajo Nation along Route 66.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
As a Native American, I think there should be more communication and connections to the reservations, pueblos, and backyard communities that Route 66 runs through. Creating Allie’s and spaces for acknowledgment.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
I have good communication, networking, planning, and organizing skills. I’m also a creative person who can introduce new programs and events to help and promote Route 66.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
By networking, connecting, communicating and organizing. Exploring ideas and branching off to make events or resources that are developmental for the success and continuation of Route 66. Working through streamlines of owners, artists, and entertainers that can evolve. Community interacting.
Tara Lilith Chavez
Association or Route 66 Experience
I live on Route 66 (Central Avenue) in Albuquerque. I traverse it daily and attend various events and art shows happening on and around it.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
To be a part of such an important cause.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
Organization, passion, and drive.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
Keeping such an important and traditional way to attract tourist. I don't see any other way to have such a historical imprint in time to be taken way is something I can't idly sit by whilst these changes commence.
Association or Route 66 Experience
I live on Route 66 (Central Avenue) in Albuquerque. I traverse it daily and attend various events and art shows happening on and around it.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
To be a part of such an important cause.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
Organization, passion, and drive.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
Keeping such an important and traditional way to attract tourist. I don't see any other way to have such a historical imprint in time to be taken way is something I can't idly sit by whilst these changes commence.
Anna Cordova
Association or Route 66 Experience
Owner of Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
Living and growing up on Route 66 and have seen the changes in business I feel that owning a business and being involved in making decisions in preserving the history is a way to help out our State.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
As the owner of the Route 66 Auto Museum I am willing to attend meetings and help promote and help out in whatever duties the association needs that I’m able to assist in.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
I feel that communication and commitment are always important.
Association or Route 66 Experience
Owner of Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
Living and growing up on Route 66 and have seen the changes in business I feel that owning a business and being involved in making decisions in preserving the history is a way to help out our State.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
As the owner of the Route 66 Auto Museum I am willing to attend meetings and help promote and help out in whatever duties the association needs that I’m able to assist in.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
I feel that communication and commitment are always important.
Donatella Davanzo
Association or Route 66 Experience:
Over the last ten years, my documentary projects and photographic initiatives centered on Route 66 in New Mexico to preserve its historic and iconic significance. Considering the road as a cultural landscape that still embeds American identity, I surveyed the original commercial properties to build and maintain a visual narrative of the contemporary Route 66. From 2013 to 2018, I concentrated my photo-ethnographic documentations and research on Central Avenue and 4th street in Albuquerque resulted in a UNM photo archive and the doctoral dissertation. From 2022, I am working on “Route 66 Connected” project that considers the whole of Route 66 across New Mexico, from east to west state borders to provide a comprehensive view of the ongoing cultural, social, and economic narratives of the Mother Road. As desirable outcomes, the project will create a detailed digital photo collection of the original commercial properties of the Route 66 era, evidence of demographic profiles, and a long-term online exhibition. Besides these projects, I engaged the public in a realistic view of the “Mother Road” heritage by presenting my research and photographic works in lectures, papers in conferences, and exhibitions.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors:
I intend to continue my archival research and on-site exploration of historic commercial properties in their current reality, a work that will offer an updated portrayal of the contemporary tangible, symbolic, and ethnic legacy of Route 66 in New Mexico. More in detail, my Route 66 archive will include the visual documentation of the commercial properties still in operation and the historic remains along the road, and oral stories collected through interviews along the road in the period 2022-2024 and I can add new photos and stories in the future if necessary. This material could implement the New Mexico Route 66 magazine with photos and stories that draw attention to the road and its local communities. Moreover, in view of the upcoming Centennial, I plan to prepare two publications: the book of “Route 66 Connected” and an interactive travel guide of Route 66 in New Mexico to engage national and international travelers in the historic and cultural significance of both Route 66 and the Land of Enchantment. These works intend to also enhance the Association and its efforts to preserve Route 66. Lastly, travelling periodically on Route 66 for these projects, I can help to deliver the Route 66 magazine and programs in different towns and more regularly in the Albuquerque area.
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 in 2026.
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, I think that a significant aspect of 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. 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 the state could be highlighted as one of the most relevant aspects of New Mexico as well as integral parts of the Route 66 history and heritage.
Association or Route 66 Experience:
Over the last ten years, my documentary projects and photographic initiatives centered on Route 66 in New Mexico to preserve its historic and iconic significance. Considering the road as a cultural landscape that still embeds American identity, I surveyed the original commercial properties to build and maintain a visual narrative of the contemporary Route 66. From 2013 to 2018, I concentrated my photo-ethnographic documentations and research on Central Avenue and 4th street in Albuquerque resulted in a UNM photo archive and the doctoral dissertation. From 2022, I am working on “Route 66 Connected” project that considers the whole of Route 66 across New Mexico, from east to west state borders to provide a comprehensive view of the ongoing cultural, social, and economic narratives of the Mother Road. As desirable outcomes, the project will create a detailed digital photo collection of the original commercial properties of the Route 66 era, evidence of demographic profiles, and a long-term online exhibition. Besides these projects, I engaged the public in a realistic view of the “Mother Road” heritage by presenting my research and photographic works in lectures, papers in conferences, and exhibitions.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors:
I intend to continue my archival research and on-site exploration of historic commercial properties in their current reality, a work that will offer an updated portrayal of the contemporary tangible, symbolic, and ethnic legacy of Route 66 in New Mexico. More in detail, my Route 66 archive will include the visual documentation of the commercial properties still in operation and the historic remains along the road, and oral stories collected through interviews along the road in the period 2022-2024 and I can add new photos and stories in the future if necessary. This material could implement the New Mexico Route 66 magazine with photos and stories that draw attention to the road and its local communities. Moreover, in view of the upcoming Centennial, I plan to prepare two publications: the book of “Route 66 Connected” and an interactive travel guide of Route 66 in New Mexico to engage national and international travelers in the historic and cultural significance of both Route 66 and the Land of Enchantment. These works intend to also enhance the Association and its efforts to preserve Route 66. Lastly, travelling periodically on Route 66 for these projects, I can help to deliver the Route 66 magazine and programs in different towns and more regularly in the Albuquerque area.
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 in 2026.
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, I think that a significant aspect of 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. 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 the state could be highlighted as one of the most relevant aspects of New Mexico as well as integral parts of the Route 66 history and heritage.
Elizabeth (Betty) DeSoto
Association or Route 66 Experience
I work at the Villa de Cubero on Rt 66 in Cubero, New Mexico and have been there since 1987. I am also in the Fire and EMS service as a volunteer and am on Rt 66 quite a bit. I have seen changes on Rt 66 just in our area and many buildings are gone. I enjoy seeing the participants on the Motor Tour in the spring and having a goodie bag for them and have done this for many years.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
I think the New Mexico Rt 66 Association needs a strong board to bring our history to the forefront especially since the 100th birthday of Rt 66 is coming up. A board needs to work together to make this happen and also to have something for the next generation to hold on to. Much of the history has been lost and needs to be found. I would like to be part of this.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
I know Covid changed everything about how meetings are held and I think that is has helped. Those of us still working full time can take part in meetings by being online if we can't attend. I will do all I can to enhance the Rt 66 Association. I am good at keeping members apprised of what is going on by email.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
To learn about other portions of Rt 66 and what has changed and what still remains. Our village of Cubero was bypassed by the realignment of Rt 66 in 1937. I would like to learn more about my area, too, but also other areas surrounding us.
Association or Route 66 Experience
I work at the Villa de Cubero on Rt 66 in Cubero, New Mexico and have been there since 1987. I am also in the Fire and EMS service as a volunteer and am on Rt 66 quite a bit. I have seen changes on Rt 66 just in our area and many buildings are gone. I enjoy seeing the participants on the Motor Tour in the spring and having a goodie bag for them and have done this for many years.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
I think the New Mexico Rt 66 Association needs a strong board to bring our history to the forefront especially since the 100th birthday of Rt 66 is coming up. A board needs to work together to make this happen and also to have something for the next generation to hold on to. Much of the history has been lost and needs to be found. I would like to be part of this.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
I know Covid changed everything about how meetings are held and I think that is has helped. Those of us still working full time can take part in meetings by being online if we can't attend. I will do all I can to enhance the Rt 66 Association. I am good at keeping members apprised of what is going on by email.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
To learn about other portions of Rt 66 and what has changed and what still remains. Our village of Cubero was bypassed by the realignment of Rt 66 in 1937. I would like to learn more about my area, too, but also other areas surrounding us.
Summer Willis
Association or Route 66 Experience
While I have only been running a business on Route 66 for about a year and a half I was raised in a very historically conscious environment. My Father Tom Willis was the standing Vice President of the New Mexico Route 66 Association since its inception in 1989 and loved Route 66 and its history. I grew up in the 66 Diner in Albuquerque and am now operating it alongside my mom, Christy Willis. I love being a part of this historic highway and spreading awareness and history through our business.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
I would like to be more involved with what is happening on Route 66 as our business is literally located on the stretch running through Albuquerque just east of 1-25. I feel it is important to be informed, as well as be part of decisions that affect the future of this landmark.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
I am a very organized and hardworking individual. I feel I have a unique perspective having grown up in a restaurant devoted to Route 66 and I live off Route 66 in the east Mountains. I want to see education continue to our future generations, like my 1-year-old daughter. And I have a lot of drive to fix a lot of the issues we are facing along Central Avenue, especially the homeless epidemic that is destroying our building and our highway.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
By continuing to make it accessible for all people and ages.
Association or Route 66 Experience
While I have only been running a business on Route 66 for about a year and a half I was raised in a very historically conscious environment. My Father Tom Willis was the standing Vice President of the New Mexico Route 66 Association since its inception in 1989 and loved Route 66 and its history. I grew up in the 66 Diner in Albuquerque and am now operating it alongside my mom, Christy Willis. I love being a part of this historic highway and spreading awareness and history through our business.
Describe briefly why you/they would like to serve on the Board of Directors
I would like to be more involved with what is happening on Route 66 as our business is literally located on the stretch running through Albuquerque just east of 1-25. I feel it is important to be informed, as well as be part of decisions that affect the future of this landmark.
What skills or personal qualities will you/they bring to this role?
I am a very organized and hardworking individual. I feel I have a unique perspective having grown up in a restaurant devoted to Route 66 and I live off Route 66 in the east Mountains. I want to see education continue to our future generations, like my 1-year-old daughter. And I have a lot of drive to fix a lot of the issues we are facing along Central Avenue, especially the homeless epidemic that is destroying our building and our highway.
How can the New Mexico Route 66 Association enhance the lives of its members or of Route 66?
By continuing to make it accessible for all people and ages.
Contact us if you would like to be a steward of the Mother Road in New Mexico!
Board of Directors terms, roles and responsibilities:
TERMS
The term of office of the Board of Directors shall be for 2 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 2 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 your Association membership.
