Biz Bits: Nusenda makes national list of best credit unions to work for

ABQ architecture firm opens El Paso office

Albuquerque design firm Dekker/Perich/Sabatini opened a new office in Downtown El Paso last month, a move that comes as the company has experienced recent staffing growth, according to a news release.

DPS, founded in 1959 as Art Dekker Architects, had already operated in the El Paso-Las Cruces region for more than a decade. But the company’s growth led to the addition of nine employees in the region, bringing the total headcount to 11. The firm’s new office is on the ground level of El Paso’s Samaniego Building, designed by Trost & Trost and constructed in 1907. DPS renovated the space, the news release said.

“We are thrilled to have opened our new El Paso office. This is a terrific opportunity to bring our growing group of talented design professionals together under one roof to serve our clients,” DPS Client Focus Manager and architect Kurt Morton said in a statement. “With our increase in work across multiple project sectors in recent years, this is the perfect time for us to solidify our position in the El Paso market and demonstrate our commitment to both the service of our local clients and our contribution to the continuing growth and success of our El Paso community.”

Nusenda among top credit unions in country

American Banker, a New York-based trade publication, has named Nusenda Credit Union one of the best credit unions to work for in the country.

This is Nusenda’s sixth time making the list and it ranked 68th out of 70 across the country in 2023. American Banker’s list is put together using surveys that touch on workplace culture, benefits and overall job satisfaction.

“Nusenda continually strives to be an employer of choice that prioritizes the well-being of our people. We know taking care of our team allows them to take care of our members,” Nusenda President and CEO Joe Christian said in a statement. “It is very meaningful to be recognized by our employees as one of the best credit unions to work for in the United States.”

Biotech firm parterns with genomics expert

Albuquerque-based Circular Genomics has partnered with Dr. Carlos Cruchaga to further explore the role of circular RNAs as blood biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease, according to a news release.

Circular Genomics is a global leader in circRNAs research for precision psychiatry and the new partnership with Dr. Cruchaga can lead to research for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, according to the news release. That partnership will involve quantification of circRNAs in blood to study memory and aging in the largest blood clinical study of its kinds, the news release added.

Dr. Cruchaga is a professor of psychiatry, neurology and genetics, as well as the founding director of the Neurogenomics and Informatic center at Washington University School of Medicine. He is responsible for the comprehensive postmortem brain circRNA quantification study showing how circRNAs are associated with clinical and pathological components for Alzheimer’s.

“We are honored to expand our work with the help of neurodegeneration expert in circRNAs, Dr. Cruchaga,” Dr. Paul Sargeant, CEO of Circular Genomics, said in a statement. “We know that neurological disorders responsible for cognitive decline are heartbreaking, debilitating, and life-altering. This innovative research has the capacity to revolutionize early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological disorders, as well as spur new drug development to improve the lives of patients.”

Arrowhead Center seeks applicants for venture fellowship

The Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University is seeking applicants for its student venture fellowship that begins Oct. 2.

Called the Fourth Industrial Revolution Economy Venture Fellowship, the program will accept applications through Sept. 27. The fellowship focuses on equipping students in the Borderplex with venture capital skills that can help boost the regional startup ecosystem. More information on the fellowship can be found at arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/program/fire-fellows or by reaching out to Carlos Cuesta at carlosic@nmsu.edu.

“This program is a testament to the dynamic collaboration taking place in the Borderplex region, and we eagerly anticipate further development of initiatives that cater to our community,” Kathryn Hansen, director and CEO of Arrowhead Center, said in a statement. “The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship is dedicated to nurturing programs that educate and support the upcoming wave of entrepreneurs. We are now extending our efforts to educate the next generation of investors as well, a move that will enrich our entrepreneurship ecosystem and generate ample opportunities.”

PNM named national sustainability awardee

PNM has been named a Sustainability Initiative of the Year awardee for 2023 by the Business Intelligence Group, according to a news release. The award honors organizations that have made sustainability an integral part of their business practices or overall missions.

For PNM, the award recognizes its efforts in “creating a sustainable solution in transferring the critical water infrastructure at the closed San Juan coal plant to the Navajo Nation via the Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project,” the news release said.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for PNM’s sustainable business practices,” Maureen Gannon, chief sustainability officer for PNM, said in a statement. “To build a clean, secure and sustainable energy future we must protect our natural resources and develop innovative solutions that help our greater community thrive in a decarbonized world.”