Faces & places

State Park Ranger and Marine Enforcement Officer Amber Martinez received the Top Cadet Award for Physical Fitness and the Physical Fitness Excellence Award at the Southeastern New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy’s graduation ceremony in December. Martinez, of Brantley Lake State Park, hails from Chama and began her career with the New Mexico State Parks Division as a seasonal employee at Heron Lake State Park in May 2014.

Martinez is the daughter of Earl and Desiree Martinez and is a graduate of Escalante High School.

James Maxon, the chief of the Sandoval County Fire Department, was elected chairman of the board of trustees of the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico at the board’s meeting Jan. 9.

The Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico’s board overseas a $15.5 billion Trust Fund that provides retirement benefits for public employees.

Maxon has been in the fire service for 25 years and previously serviced with the New Mexico Fire Marshal Office and the Santa Fe County Fire Department. He is a U.S. Air Force Fire Protection veteran. Maxon has a master’s degree in public education from The University of New Mexico School of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in business management. He was recognized as the New Mexico Fire Officer of the Year in 2012.

Jackie Kohlasch was elected vice chairwoman of the board. Kohlasch serves as an auditor for the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. She has a doctoral degree in management in organizational leadership and is in her second, four-year term as a member of the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico’s board.

The 12-member PERA Board is elected by eligible employees and retirees in New Mexico.

COURTESY KERI-LYNN MCBRIDE A SCHOOL OF GIVERS: Late last month, the New Mexico School for the Deaf donated $405.40 to The New Mexican’s Empty Stocking Fund that was collected at its annual Winter Variety Show. The event included skits and stories performed by students and staff...