Who We Are

The CELab is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization focused on finding new ways to do economic development, workforce development and poverty alleviation at the community level.  We research the big problems facing community economies, develop new tools and approaches to address these problems, and educate community leaders.

The CELab unites economic developers, business leaders, policy experts and social-science luminaries, all dedicated to identifying and developing cutting-edge programs and initiatives.  Since forming in 2008, CELab has attracted the attention of political leaders and private investors who recognize the need and potential for revolutionary change in the world of economic development.

The Team

Deborah Burns

Deborah Burns

Board President

Sarah Crichlow

Sarah Crichlow

Executive Director

Birga Alden

Birga Alden

Program Director

Board of Directors

Deborah Burns, President
Sarah Crichlow, Secretary
Kim Nunley, Treasurer

Board of Advisors

Mark Lautman
Principal, Lautman Economic Architecture LLC
Co-Founder of The CELab

Terry Brunner
Chief Program Officer, Grow New Mexico

Enrico Pontelli
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, NMSU

Arvin Trujillo
CEO, Four Corners Economic Development, Inc.

Barbara Damron
Chief Government Relations Officer & Professor, UNM

Michael D’Antonio
President, D’Antonio Consulting, LLC

William M. Knauf
Principal, Advanced Insights LLC
Co-Founder of The CELab

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