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
Board President
Sarah Crichlow
Executive Director
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