Board of Directors

Garrett Vene Klasen

President

A New Mexico native and longtime Taos resident, Garrett is an avid outdoorsman who regularly fishes, hunts and hikes in the RGDN. He is the Northern Conservation Director for NM Wild, and has 20 years of conservation background in northern NM. He also played a key role in the creation of RGDN.

Darien Fernandez

Secretary

Darien Fernandez is the Executive Director of the Taos Land Trust. He was born and raised in Taos, with roots throughout northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, and has also lived in the Texas Río Grande Valley. He is the father of three sons. Darien studied political science and English at the University of New Mexico. Darien is an outdoors enthusiast and can be found fly fishing, backcountry skiing, or on a camping adventure any given weekend. His love for the outdoors drives his professional career in the preservation of public lands and the promotion of land use policy that respects cultural traditions. He also serves as a Taos Town Councilmember, where he has led support for the Río Hondo as an Outstanding National Resource Water, and the designation of Cerro de la Olla (Pot Mountain) and Cerro del Yuta (Ute Mountain) as wilderness areas.

Garrett Hanks

Treasurer

Garrett Hanks is a Senior Manager of Project Development at Blue Forest, currently focused on applying innovative financing to conservation projects across the West. Garrett has 10 years experience managing riverscape, rangeland, and forest restoration projects in New Mexico.

AnJanette Brush

Board Member

AnJanette Brush is a Taos County Commissioner with a passion for policy and issues surrounding public lands, climate, and the environment. She is also the board chair of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps and a member of the National Association of Counties' steering committee for Energy, Environment, and Land Use. Many of the issues we face on the Monument require County collaboration, making AnJanette’s contributions to the Friend’s Group very valuable!   

Loren Bell

Board Member

Loren Bell has built his life around the intersection of the outdoors and community. Trained as an ecologist, he has worked on wilderness and conservation projects across the American West and spent five years in rural Southeast Asia partnering with Indigenous communities to study and protect forests vital to their livelihoods. Those experiences shaped his belief that connections to nature strengthen communities, which now guides his work leading the Enchanted Circle Trails Association and supporting the Río Grande del Norte National Monument.

Will Blackstock

Board Member

Will Blackstock is the owner of Far Flung Adventures and knows the Río Grande in the Monument as well as anyone.  His understanding of recreation issues in the Monument is very helpful.  Additionally, Will has been one of the Founders of the Outdoor Academy Project.

Robyn Chavez

Board Member

Robyn Chavez, a Taoseña, comes from generations connected to the land, water, and community traditions. With respect for farming, water stewardship, and ancestral knowledge, she is active in conservation and volunteers to protect sacred landscapes and support grassroots solutions. A Registered Nurse (BSN) for over a decade, she founded Red Willow Hospice, a community-based hospice rooted in culturally responsive and environmentally forward healthcare. Robyn is also active in the non-profit and philanthropic sector, building partnerships that strengthen both community well-being and the environment.

Blake Helman

Board Member

Blake Helman is a strategic advisor working at a national level with non-profit and conservation organizations like The American Fly Fishing Trade Association, The Ocean Conservancy, The Wild Steelhead Coalition, Elevate Youth, and many more. Additionally, Blake is a local fishing guide and volunteer board member with the Enchanted Circle Trout Unlimited chapter of northern New Mexico