Business Outlook Briefcase: Hires, promotions, etc.

Welcome

Chris Japp has joined Tramway Ventures as managing partner. Japp has more than 30 years of global experience in the medical device and life sciences industries. He has held top leadership roles at large multinational public and private companies such as GE Healthcare, Boston Scientific, Pentax Medical, Hitachi Medical and others. Japp will help guide investment decisions, provide insight and guidance to Tramway's portfolio companies, and contribute to the firm’s expansion beyond New Mexico. Based in Albuquerque, Tramway is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in biotech, medtech and healthtech.

Dana Yost has been named president and chief executive officer of Roadrunner Food Bank. Yost will take over from Linda Wedeen, the current interim president and CEO. He has 13 years of experience in food banking, most recently with Arizona Food Bank Network, where he served as vice president of supply chain operations. In his role, he managed the Nogales Produce Rescue Operation and the Mexico Produce Sourcing Strategic Operations to build a coalition of U.S. and Mexican food bank partners aimed at supporting produce sourcing across international borders. Yost previously served as the chief operations officer of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Prior to his years in food banking, Yost worked at nonprofits and in large-scale outbound freight, freight systems, and fulfillment for Target’s Distribution Center; and was employed at Arizona’s Game and Fish Department overseeing their media programs on wildlife, environmental education, hunter safety and other game and fish related programming. He has a bachelor's degree from Grand Canyon University and a master's degree from Northern Arizona University.

Brandon Chavez has joined the American Society of Radiologic Technologists as a member services specialist. Before joining ASRT, Chavez worked as a preferred client advocate for Bank of America for nine years.

William Bradford has joined the American Society of Radiologic Technologists as the government relations coordinator for ASRTs government relations and public policy department. Bradford received a bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University and a master’s degree in China studies from National Chengchi University in Taiwan. During his time at NMSU, he served as director of governmental relations for the Associated Students of New Mexico State University. Most recently, he was the shared and regional government affairs director for NCRealtors.

Jasmine Sanchez has joined the American Society of Radiologic Technologists as the fundraising coordinator for the ASRT Foundation. Sanchez received a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. She has worked as asales and marketing associatefor Letter With Lauren Liz, a marketing associate for State Farm and a development coordinator at The Bridge Home, a nonprofit for those who are experiencing homelessness.

Applause

Navajo Transitional Energy Co. was awarded the 2023 New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Excellence in Reclamation award for its work at the Yazzie Wildlife Bluff at Navajo Mine. Reclamation efforts in Yazzie Pit began in 2018 and concluded in 2022. In that time, 22.5 million cubic yards of material were moved safely. The project was completed with the assistance of the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation, the Navajo Nation Minerals Department, and the Navajo Nation Fish and Wildlife Services Department.

Visit Albuquerque has announced the recipients of the 2023 Tourism Grant Program. The grant awardees are:

Incubator Level Grantees:

• Artemis Productions - $10,000 for enhancement of Albuquerque’s Lowrider Fest

• DowntownABQ MainStreet and Arts & Cultural District - $10,000 for enhanced elements at Downtown Growers’ Market and ABQ Artwalk

• Flyby Provisions - $10,000 for enhanced Downtown pop-up events

• Homewise - $5,000 for historic walking tour and Barelas history project

• Lapis Room - $10,000 for event offerings elevating visual, performing and culinary artists of New Mexico

• New Nuevo - $10,000 for experiential tourism offerings

• Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals - $10,000 for student and youth educational tour program

Innovator Level Grantees:

• Adelante Development Center - $50,000 for durable medical equipment rental services to promote accessible tourism

• Big Jim Farms - $50,000 for expansion projects and new holiday programming

• Day of the Tread - $10,000 for inaugural “Bone Shaker” gravel grinder event

• Electric Playhouse - $50,000 for an immersive, digital experience introducing visitors to quintessential Albuquerque activities

• Friends of the Orphan Signs - $25,000 for historic sign preservation and artist opportunities

• Gathering of Nations - $25,000 for enhancements to existing signature event

• Gujrati Samaj of New Mexico - $25,000 for expansion of existing events

• Heritage Hotels & Resorts - $31,000 for signage highlighting visitor experiences in the Sawmill District, including museums

• Mariachi Spectacular - $25,000 for enhancements to existing signature event

• National Institute of Flamenco - $50,000 ($25,000 for enhancements to existing signature event and $25,000 for expansion of year-round flamenco performances)

• New Mexico Wine & Grape Growers Association - $23,000 for interactive custom wine experiences

Promotion

Beth Strong has been promoted to membership and business development manager at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Strong joined ASRT as membership marketing associate in 2017 and has been responsible for all marketing communications related to recruitment and retention. She will lead the marketing efforts for recruitment and retention and group membership for students and professionals. Strong will be responsible for business development, sales of institutional products and staff training needs for hospitals and other facilities. She holds a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Marist College in New York.

Bulletin Board

SCORE Albuquerque will host it workshop titled “First Session” from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday via Zoom. This workshop will discuss key concepts such as accounting, marketing and their relationship, and go over SCORE resources and services. This workshop is free. Register at score.org/albuquerque/event/first-session-972023.

Femcity Albuquerque will host its networking event happy hour for women of all ages and backgrounds from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Two Cranes Bistro and Brew, 901 Rio Grande NW, Suite A192m. This networking event is for FemCity members, but a free 30-day membership is available, and events are free for first time attendees. To learn more or RSVP visit femcity.com/albuquerque. For questions email Terri Dean at Terri@femcity.com.