2024 Emergency Manager of the Year

Eric Queller

Village of Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management

     

Eric Queller’s leadership during the South Fork and Salt Fires, as well as the subsequent flash flood emergencies, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since starting as the Emergency Manager for the Village of Ruidoso in May 2023, Eric has consistently demonstrated exceptional situational awareness, coordination, and decision-making. His leadership during these dual crises was critical, guiding a unified command through complex, cascading events. The evacuation efforts he led during the fires saved countless lives, and his coordination of swift water rescues during multiple flash floods prevented further tragedy. Under his leadership, Ruidoso has not only navigated these disasters but has also positioned itself for long-term recovery, securing millions in funding for future resilience projects. Eric’s commitment to preparedness, community engagement, and collaboration sets a new standard for emergency management in New Mexico.

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Leah Baldonado

New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Leah Baldonado’s dedication to preparedness and her commitment to excellence make her a standout leader in the field. Throughout her career with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM), Leah has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure jurisdictions across the state are not only in compliance but are also equipped with the knowledge and resources needed for success. Her proactive approach is evident in her willingness to personally reach out to jurisdictions in need of guidance, offering support and expertise whenever needed.

Leah’s passion for continuous education and improvement shines through in her work. Despite the evolution of her role within DHSEM, her dedication to helping others remains constant. Her leadership and tireless efforts to enhance preparedness across New Mexico embody the spirit of the Donald Mathiasen Preparedness Award, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.

2024 Advancement & Promotion of Emergency Management Award

Byron Piatt

University of New Mexico

Byron Piatt, CEM, has significantly strengthened emergency management at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and beyond. Leading UNM’s COVID-19 response, Byron established essential testing and vaccination programs, secured resources, and coordinated the university's ongoing operations. His leadership extended to deploying the NM-1 DMAT across the nation and internationally, including a mission to American Samoa. In 2022, Byron further demonstrated his expertise by developing a university-to-university assistance model during New Mexico's wildfires. His ongoing contributions to the field, both at UNM and through broader state and national initiatives, showcase his exceptional commitment to advancing emergency management.

2024 Emergency Management Support Staff Member

Amanda Bowen

Dona Ana County Office of Emergency Management

Amanda Bowen has proven to be an invaluable asset to Doña Ana County/City of Las Cruces Office of Emergency Management since joining in 2019. From coordinating shelters during the 2019 Migrant Crisis to managing the COVID-19 response, Amanda has consistently stepped up during critical moments. Her leadership during the 2021 flood, 2023 CRRUA water system emergency, and her ongoing efforts as Interim Emergency Manager demonstrate her ability to manage complex, multi-agency responses. Amanda’s dedication to building regional emergency management capacity, including training and developing the county's Incident Management Team, has left a lasting impact on the community. Her collaborative spirit and commitment to supporting others have earned her deep respect throughout the region.

2024 Special Recognition Award

Village of Ruidoso 

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Lincoln County

The Village of Ruidoso and Lincoln County demonstrated exceptional commitment and resilience during the summer of 2024. Faced with three major fires—Blue 2, South Fork, and Salt Fires—along with a plane crash and numerous flash floods, the entire community came together to protect residents and visitors alike. The collaboration between local government, first responders, and community members was extraordinary, showcasing unwavering dedication to public safety under immense pressure. Despite long hours and challenging conditions, the spirit of teamwork, positivity, and readiness to serve has been truly inspiring. Their collective efforts not only safeguarded the community but also set a new standard for effective response, collaboration, and resilience in the face of disaster.

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