Visit us at our offices on the plaza in Española

Staff

José D. Villa, MSW MA-Ed - Interim Executive Director

Mr. José D. Villa is a professor emeritus of social work, San Jose State University, California. Since retiring to La Villita near Española, New Mexico, he has helped to organize Habitat for Humanity, Rio Arriba Family Care Network and programs and services for youth and senior citizens of the area. Mr. Villa has been widely recognized as an advocate for social justice; he received the distinguished community service award from MALDEF; he is also a recipient of the prestigious Koshland Award by the California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.  

Glenna Dean, PhD - Associate Director

Dr. Glenna Dean (Texas A&M University, 1978, Archeobotany) is the Associate Director of the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, Inc., based in Española, New Mexico. Prior to joining the non-profit, she worked in the New Mexico SHPO's office for 14 years, 11 of which were as the New Mexico State Archaeologist. Before that, she was the Assistant State Archeologist of Texas. She brings to the Heritage Area experience handling the pressures of development and public benefit as they collide with living traditions and the past in a subtle cultural landscape.