Christina Lamour/Board President
Mother of two and retired military spouse, Christina is a native of Maryland, but has found a home in El Paso. Over the last 15 years, Christina has established a career in social service, and specifically, non-profit development and leadership. In 2022, Christina established Hills to Climb, a small non-profit providing outdoor adventure and summer camp experiences to urban youth in Baltimore, MD. Her passion for exploring the outdoors and sharing this joy with others brought her to the doors of the Frontera Land Alliance.
Jon Rezendes/VP
Jon Rezendes is a former US Army infantry combat veteran, Ranger Instructor, and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Since leaving service, Jon works for a decarbonization-focused software company and dedicates his life to the preservation of wilderness through writing and advocacy. Jon is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Lobo Coalition. Learn more at jonrezendes.com
Emmanuel Rodriguez “Manny/Treasurer
Emmanuel Rodriguez “Manny” is originally from El Paso, TX. He loves mountain biking and spending time outdoors. Upon graduating from Franklin High School, Manny went to Durango Colorado to do some collegiate cycling for Fort Lewis College. He has then had a strong passion for mountain biking and outdoors. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Business Administration from New Mexico State University. His professional background is in Commercial Banking and is a Commercial Lender for First National Bank Texas. He has been in banking and finance for over 10 years, however, tries to spend as much time outdoors and involved in El Paso’s community by protecting our beautiful desert and mountains.
Jake Reynalds/Secretary
Jake is Assistant County Attorney and was formally Assistant District Attorney at 34th Judicial District Attorney's Office. Jake attended Texas Tech University School of Law and received his Master of Music from Texan Tech University.
Harrison/ Board Member
Harrison is a certified professional urban planner currently working as the assistant director of the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization. He has ten years of professional experience in municipal planning, focusing on form-based code and comprehensive plan implementation, code writing, and transportation planning. While working for the City of El Paso, he served as a staff assistant to the Open Space Advisory Board and is an avid hiker and advocate of conservation practices. A native of upstate New York, Harrison earned his Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Ball State University and has lived in El Paso since 2012.
Kylie Rezendes / Board of Directors
Originally, I am from Vermont, but life as a military spouse brought me all over the US. The Army brought us to the El Paso community when my husband was stationed at Fort Bliss. Surprisingly, this unfamiliar desert habitat quickly felt like home. For three years, I dedicated my time as a volunteer group leader, fundraiser, and coordinator for the Army at Fort Bliss before starting my academic journey.
In school I earned a degree in Wildlife and Conservation Science with a concentration on endangered species and mammals at the University of Rhode Island. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program at UTEP. My research focuses on camera trapping the mammals of the Franklin Mountains and the habitat use of Jaguars in Sonora, Mexico.
In every aspect of my life, from volunteering for the Army to delving into the intricacies of wildlife research, I find fulfillment in making a positive impact and connecting with the community to help foster love of our beautiful desert. As I navigate the dual roles of a dedicated scholar and a loving parent, I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, continuing to build connections and contribute meaningfully to the world around me. I look forward to participating as a board member for the Frontera Land Alliance and I think there is the making of a really great team here!”
Jenna Dodson / Board of Directors
Jenna was raised in Virginia, and found her way to El Paso in June 2024. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Studies, she pursued her passions at the nexus of nature and community engagement. She has worked in a variety of sectors in these fields, including academia, state government, and the non-profit sector. She is particularly passionate about community science, and has coordinated statewide community science programs in both West Virginia and Georgia. Currently, she works with farmers and ranchers around West Texas as a conservation planner with the Texas-Climate Smart Initiative. She is excited to bring these experiences and perspectives to continue the protection and preservation of open spaces in the Chihuahuan Desert. Outside of work, she can usually be found in the desert trail running, mountain biking, birding, or rock climbing.
Dr. Gilbert Moreno / Board of Directors
Dr. Gilberto Moreno, Jr. As the Lead Strategist and Consultant for Prestige Consulting Services, Dr. Moreno has primary responsibilities for assisting clients in effectively managing organizational change. Dr. Moreno has extensive experience in delivering effective and practical solutions including strategic thinking/planning, reinventing organizations, technology transfer, leadership development, continuous process improvement, project management, and human capital development. Dr. Moreno has made keynote presentations on topics ranging from “high-performance” organizations, the 21st Century worker, implementing “balanced scorecards”, international trade, structured marketing and building competency teams. Creator of the Creating Functional Value-Driven Strategic Planning Series© and of the “i 6 Functional Value Profile© ” linear thinking methodology, Dr. Moreno also served as a clinical professor in leadership development at the Univ. of Texas at El Paso and contributes to STEM educational research & curriculum.
In addition, Dr. Moreno has held enterprise marketing, systems, and executive management positions with IBM, Exxon/USA, and Viva Environmental. Dr. Moreno is a registered systems engineering professional in the State of Texas (#77907). Dr. Moreno graduated WITH HONORS from the University of Texas at El Paso with a degree in mechanical engineering (industrial option). He was twice selected to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and selected as a UTEP TOP TEN SENIOR for academic, leadership, and service achievements. Graduating with TOP HONORS, Dr. Moreno received a master's degree in Operations Research from the University of Notre Dame. He received his doctorate from UTEP in education leadership with a concentration in STEM educational reform and community outreach.
With an active interest in educational, health, social, and developmental programs for the youth and the elderly, Gilberto is engaged in numerous community organizations and has received numerous regional and national awards for his service to the community. In October 2011, Dr. Moreno was recognized with a Luminary Award by the Great Minds in STEM National Convention in Orlando for his promotion of STEM and entrepreneurship to the youth in multiple communities. In September 2018, Gilberto was named the McDonalds Hispanos Triunfadores Award recipient for Science. Gilberto enjoys family activities with his wife Teresa, his six children and eight grandchildren.
Scott Cutler / Board Member
A founding member of The Frontera Land Alliance, Scott Cutler is a retired Curator of Collections and Exhibits at the University of Texas-El Paso’s Centennial Museum. He has degrees in Wildlife Management and Biology. A resident of El Paso for more than 25 years, he has been active in numerous local conservation organizations involved with preserving open space. (Photo Credit by: Fred Eiland)