New Mexico Civil Rights Advisory Committee

The purpose of the New Mexico Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Civil Rights Advisory Committee (CRAC) is to assist the State Conservationist, the New Mexico Civil Rights Committee, and the Special Emphasis Program Managers in delivering information about equal opportunity, civil rights, and special emphasis issues and events.

NRCS in New Mexico supports the policy of USDA to provide equal opportunity for all persons without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

We are fully dedicated to ensuring that all persons associated with NRCS comply with every aspect of our nation’s Civil Rights laws and policies.  All employees are expected to model equal opportunity, civil rights, and cultural transformation, and managers and supervisors must demonstrate an elevated regard by supporting civil rights, equal employment opportunity, diversity, and cultural transformation.

NRCS New Mexico Civil Rights Advisory Committee

New Mexico Civil Rights Advisory Committee members and the Special Emphasis Program Managers (SEPMs) help ensure that Federal agencies institute, plan, and take affirmative steps to provide equal opportunity to women and minority applicants and employees in all areas of employment (recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and awards); and provide a means for women and minorities to communicate their concerns to management.

Committee Members:

Erica Dillard, South Area Representative/ Chair 

Diego Ortiz, North Area Rep 

Amanda Albright, Member-at-Large 

Kellie Johnson, Black Special Emphasis Program Manager

Fawnna Lee, Asian American/Pacific Islander Special Emphasis Program Manager

Vernon Mirabal, American Indians and Alaska Natives Special Emphasis Program Manager

Amalia Montoya, Disability & Veterans Special Emphasis Program Manager

Joshua Archuleta, Hispanic Special Emphasis Program Manager

Jim Armendariz, State Office Representative 

Tony Arnhold, Member at Large 

Kerri Mich, LGBTQA+ Special Emphasis Program Manager

Mariah Bates, Federal Women's Program Special Emphasis Program Manager

Alicia Rodriguez, CRAC Advisor