Hires, Applause, ETC: Albuquerque Journal Business Briefcase

Welcome

Sean Staggs has been named executive chef at the Bien Shur Restaurant at Sandia Resort & Casino. He has spent the past 22 years at dining establishments such as the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort, Farm and Table and Los Poblanos Inn and Farm. Staggs trained in molecular gastronomy in Chicago’s Moto Restaurant under chef Homaro Cantu. He works with many non-profit organizations including the Rio Grande Agricultural Land and Trust, the 505 Food Fights and Kitchen Kids, Inc.

Bailey Foutz has joined the American Society of Radiologic Technologists as an accountant for the ASRT Finance Department. Foutz received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico and is pursuing a master’s degree at Oklahoma Baptist University.

Carlina Romero has joined the American Society of Radiologic Technologists as facility management associate. Romero formerly worked as administrative assistant for the pathology department at the University of New Mexico.

Stacey Chambliss has joined the American Society of Radiologic Technologists as executive assistant for the Executive Services Department. Chambliss has 16 years of experience working as the executive assistant to the executive director of the SRI Foundation and as volunteer coordinator for Passport in Time. Chambliss has a master’s degree from the University of New Mexico and a bachelor’s degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Chantel Strasburg has joined the American Society of Radiologic Technologists as administrative coordinator. Strasburg has a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University. She has held positions including community engagement and operations coordinator, administrative assistant and office manager and has customer service experience.

Brandon Gibson has been named director of the ABQ BioPark. In his new role, Gibson will oversee the BioPark’s Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach and Aquatic Conservation Center working to improve the guests' experience, facilities, animal and plant care, and conservation programming. Gibson has more than 25 years of professional experience and leadership in programming, youth education, conservation and project management. He returns to the BioPark after four years as the deputy director for the Department of Arts & Culture, where he oversaw many of the Gross Receipts Tax projects at the BioPark, including the new Asia and Australia habitats. He also served as the BioPark’s associate director from 2019 to 2020. Prior to that, Gibson was the associate director of the City’s Parks & Recreation Department.

Applause

REDW Advisors and CPAs has been named a Top Regional Firm in the Southwest on Accounting Today's list of the Top 100 Firms and Regional Leaders in 2024. Accounting Today's Top 100 Firms and Regional Leaders list is an annual ranking based on a combination of data analysis and executive feedback.

Etc.

Thomas Walmsley, director of Emergency Management for Bernalillo County, has completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship. Walmsley participated in a two-week program designed to innovate emergency management strategies and enhance crisis leadership capabilities. Walmsley’s journey in emergency management started in 2014 after a decade in law enforcement and service in the Army. He has a bachelor’s degree and a certification as a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers. Additionally, Walmsley has completed FEMA's Emergency Management Professional Program's Basic and Advanced Academies and is currently working through a master’s program in Emergency Management/Homeland Security at Arizona State University.

Bulletin Board

SCORE Albuquerque will host its workshop titled “Ask the Expert Q&A: Business Funding” from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday via Zoom. Stephanie Skaggs, SCORE funding and financing expert, will answer questions regarding business funding such as growing a company, bank loans and business funding alternative financing options in this Q&A-style workshop. This workshop is free; register at score.org/albuquerque/local-workshops.