Council President
Senator Mark Boitano
Email: MarkBoitano@nmca.connectionsacademy.org
Senator Mark Boitano served for 16 years in the New Mexico State Senate as a citizen legislator and retired in 2012. He helped craft and sponsor the 1999 Charter Schools Act that allowed for the creation of charter schools statewide. In addition, he introduced measures in the Legislature to create teacher, parent, and student compacts, increase high school graduation requirements, and implement greater local governance in the public school system. Mark graduated from Regents College and received a B.S. in Political Science and Sociology. He has been honored by the N.M. Coalition of Charter Schools, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, as a 'Business Star' by the Association of Commerce and Industry, and received a 'Leader' Award, twice, from the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. He is president of Boitano & Associates, a real estate company specializing in sales, investments and property management. He and his wife Cory are proud parents of four children. Senator Boitano brings his knowledge and expertise of real estate, school facilities, charter school law, education policy, and business to the Governing Council of New Mexico Connections Academy.
Council Vice-President
Paul Gessing
Email: PaulGessing@nmca.connectionsacademy.org
Mr. Gessing has served as President of the Rio Grande Foundation, New Mexico’s only free market think tank, based in Albuquerque, since 2006. His work has appeared in newspapers and journals such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, National Review Online, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, the Albuquerque Journal, and other media. His work with the Foundation has focused on public policy with an emphasis on improved transparency, and accountability for state and local government throughout New Mexico. An MBA graduate of the University of Maryland and B.A. in political science graduate from Bowling Green State University, Mr. Gessing brings his knowledge and expertise of public policy and business background to the Governing Council of New Mexico Connections Academy. Mr. Gessing will be a valuable resource to the Governing Council with his focus on accountability and business.
Council Treasurer
Letha Oman
Email: LethaOman@nmca.connectionsacademy.org
Mrs. Oman has 20 years of experience serving the students at four elementary schools as principal. She also has served as assistant principal at two schools and taught elementary grades at three schools in Albuquerque and Mesa, Arizona. She holds an undergraduate degree in Education from the University of New Mexico and a graduate degree in Educational Administration from Arizona State University. In addition, Mrs. Oman was the Florida training coordinator for Family Network on Disabilities, a federally funded parent education program for families of children with disabilities. Currently, Mrs. Oman is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the Bernalillo County foster system. She believes that the goal of education is to serve the diverse needs of all children and that the charter system can be one of the pathways to that service.
Council Secretary
Patrick Chavez
Email: PatrickChavez@nmca.connectionsacademy.org
Mr. Chavez is a licensed professional engineer in the state of New Mexico. Mr. Chavez is also a LEED Accredited Professional who has over 16 years of engineering experience with varied functions in a wide range of water, wastewater and stormwater related projects. Mr. Chavez received his B.S. and M.S. from the University of New Mexico in Civil Engineering. Mr. Chavez knows the importance of education in achieving your goals and is proud to be the first member of his paternal family to graduate from college. As a professional in the STEM field and as a parent who is interested in educational options for his daughter, Mr. Chavez adds a unique perspective on the Governing Council.
Council Member
Jerry Schalow
Email: JerrySchalow@nmca.connectionsacademy.org
Mr. Schalow is the President of First Santa Fe BanCorp, a regional financial services organization in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mr. Schalow has a B.A. from Texas Tech University in Business Administration.
Council Member
Caz Martinez
Email: CazMartinez@nmca.connectionsacademy.org
Mr. Martinez is a graduate of NMSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health Education, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, and completed his coursework in the Administrative Licensure Program. He is a 1993 graduate of Roswell High School in Roswell, NM and began his teaching career with Las Cruces Public Schools where he taught Social Studies and was an assistant boy’s basketball and tennis coach. For the last eight years, Mr. Martinez has held the position of Executive Director.at Las Montañas Charter in Las Cruces.