EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A native New Mexican, Jesse Deubel spent his early years growing up in the Village of La Puebla near Espanola, New Mexico. His earliest memories include following his Dad through knee-deep, snow in the Carson National Forest in search of mule deer when he was 6. By age 12 Jesse had experienced his first, “true” backcountry hunt for wild turkey 8 miles deep into the Aldo Leopold Wilderness in SW New Mexico.  At 15 Jesse harvested his first elk with a bow and arrow miles into the Gila Wilderness. Meanwhile his Dad nervously waited in camp well into the dark until his exhausted young teenager finally stumbled into the light of the fire.

As a teenager Jesse was very active and involved with the Sandia Crest Bowhunter’s Association. During his early adult years he juggled work, studies at the University of New Mexico and his passionate dedication to serving on the Albuquerque Committee of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. His love and support of the RMEF continues today. In 2010 Jesse worked with other committed bowhunters to found the United Bowhunters of New Mexico. He has led the UBNM as their President since their formation. In addition to fighting for NM Sportsmen through the UBNM, Jesse has been intricately involved with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and recently worked with BHA in Washington, DC to fight for the permanent re-authorization and full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

OFFICE MANAGER

Susan Calt serves as the Office Manager for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation at its Albuquerque office. In her role, she supports the successful implementation of the NYCALC program and ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of the Federation. Having grown up in New Mexico after relocating with her Air Force family, Susan developed a deep appreciation for the state’s landscapes and outdoor opportunities. She finds peace in hiking and camping with her family and looks forward to new adventures exploring the natural world. An avid nature photographer, Susan also enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her group of box turtles. In her role, she supports the successful implementation of the NYCALC program and ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of the Federation.

SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Ray Trejo, an avid sportsman and lifelong educator, is southern New Mexico outreach coordinator for the federation. Trejo is a past federation president and grew up hunting and fishing in southwestern New Mexico. Trejo spent the last 26 years of his career as a public-school educator, 16 of those as an administrator. Trejo attended Western New Mexico University in Silver City where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in teaching and a second master’s in educational leadership. Trejo has worked with several statewide sportsmen’s groups to promote public access, equitable tag reform and sound wildlife management practices. He was instrumental in helping to create the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument. He lives in Deming with his wife Teri, three horses, one mule, his Jack Russell terrier and three bird dogs.  

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

As a proud native New Mexican, Wendy combines a deep commitment to her community with a passion for the outdoors. She brings extensive operational and project management expertise to her work, having supported Tribes and Tribal enterprises in successfully implementing business plans that foster sustainable growth. Her experience includes partnering with multiple New Mexico Pueblos as well as numerous Tribal communities nationwide to develop and revitalize agricultural programs, transforming these culturally significant initiatives into viable economic development opportunities for Tribal members. She has also contributed to the advancement of renewable energy projects—including solar, wind, and geothermal—helping communities diversify and strengthen their energy resources. In addition, Wendy founded what has grown into the largest Native American Business Incubator in the country. She currently resides in Edgewood, where she and her family raise dairy goats.

CONSERVATION DIRECTOR

Neary grew up in New Mexico and is an avid hunter and fisherman. He graduated from the University of New Mexico. He worked at newspapers in the state for 20 years, covering state and local government agencies and conservation issues. Most recently, Neary covered state government and courts for The Associated Press in Wyoming. He was happy to give up the Wyoming winters and return to familiar hunting and fishing grounds in New Mexico. He lives in Albuquerque with his wife Susie and their son, Stanley.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

Laura began her conservation work through an AmeriCorps program with the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, contributing to projects like trail building, fire reduction, and community outreach. Since then, she has continued her dedication to community efforts, working with nonprofits, schools, and educational programming. Now, as Director of Programs, Laura focuses on developing impactful educational programs and community outreach. She believes nature offers countless lessons and insights, and her goal is to create opportunities for people of all ages to forge their own connections with the world around us.