Board & Staff
Coronado SWCD is governed by an elected Board of Supervisors. The Board sets District priorities, approves projects and funding decisions, and provides public oversight of District operations. Board meetings are open to the public.
Board of Supervisors
Lynn Montgomery — Chair, Position 3
A Placitas resident with years of service to the District, he has represented Coronado SWCD in statewide water-planning discussions and shared information locally about the Healthy Soil Act and soil health practices. Reelected in November 2025, he continues to serve as Board Chair and brings extensive knowledge of the District’s communities and natural-resource concerns.
Alfred Baca — Vice Chair, Position 5
A multigenerational landowner with several years of service as Vice Chair, he brings local knowledge, history, continuity, and a steady commitment to the District’s conservation work. He helps guide Board decisions involving projects, partnerships, and funding opportunities across eastern Sandoval County. His current term runs through 2027.
Kathleen Groody — Supervisor, Secretary-Treasurer, Position 1
A Sile farmer with a background in agricultural development, soil science, and hydrology, she brings both technical knowledge and hands-on experience to the Board. She has supported local soil-health projects and is especially committed to preserving farmland, conserving water, and strengthening working lands. Her current term runs through 2027.
Mary Catherine Baca-Scott — Supervisor, Position 2
An Algodones rancher and beekeeper, former teacher, and local attorney, she brings agricultural, educational, and legal experience to the Board. As a new mother, she values conserving local land and water today for her son’s future, while instilling in him the importance of caring for natural resources. Her term runs through 2027.
Katherine Aeby — Supervisor, Position 4
A Placitas businesswoman, she brings practical experience, a strong community connection, and a fresh perspective to the Board. Elected in November 2025, she is committed to learning about conservation needs throughout the District and helping guide work that protects local land and water.
A Placitas resident with years of service to the District, he has represented Coronado SWCD in statewide water-planning discussions and shared information locally about the Healthy Soil Act and soil health practices. Reelected in November 2025, he continues to serve as Board Chair and brings extensive knowledge of the District’s communities and natural-resource concerns.
Alfred Baca — Vice Chair, Position 5
A multigenerational landowner with several years of service as Vice Chair, he brings local knowledge, history, continuity, and a steady commitment to the District’s conservation work. He helps guide Board decisions involving projects, partnerships, and funding opportunities across eastern Sandoval County. His current term runs through 2027.
Kathleen Groody — Supervisor, Secretary-Treasurer, Position 1
A Sile farmer with a background in agricultural development, soil science, and hydrology, she brings both technical knowledge and hands-on experience to the Board. She has supported local soil-health projects and is especially committed to preserving farmland, conserving water, and strengthening working lands. Her current term runs through 2027.
Mary Catherine Baca-Scott — Supervisor, Position 2
An Algodones rancher and beekeeper, former teacher, and local attorney, she brings agricultural, educational, and legal experience to the Board. As a new mother, she values conserving local land and water today for her son’s future, while instilling in him the importance of caring for natural resources. Her term runs through 2027.
Katherine Aeby — Supervisor, Position 4
A Placitas businesswoman, she brings practical experience, a strong community connection, and a fresh perspective to the Board. Elected in November 2025, she is committed to learning about conservation needs throughout the District and helping guide work that protects local land and water.
Associate Supervisors
Jon Couch — Associate Supervisor
A longtime District leader and former Board Supervisor, he brings extensive knowledge of local conservation needs to his continuing role as Chief Procurement Officer and Associate Supervisor. As a commissioner for Las Huertas Community Ditch, he has helped advance reservoir improvements, water conservation, and wildfire-risk reduction in the Placitas area.
Edgar Orejel — Associate Supervisor
As a youth educator, he brings valuable experience working with young people and understanding how they learn and engage. He also brings extensive experience in team-building and collaboration. He puts conservation principles into practice on his own land, giving him firsthand knowledge that helps the District connect education with responsible care of soil, water, and natural resources.
A longtime District leader and former Board Supervisor, he brings extensive knowledge of local conservation needs to his continuing role as Chief Procurement Officer and Associate Supervisor. As a commissioner for Las Huertas Community Ditch, he has helped advance reservoir improvements, water conservation, and wildfire-risk reduction in the Placitas area.
Edgar Orejel — Associate Supervisor
As a youth educator, he brings valuable experience working with young people and understanding how they learn and engage. He also brings extensive experience in team-building and collaboration. He puts conservation principles into practice on his own land, giving him firsthand knowledge that helps the District connect education with responsible care of soil, water, and natural resources.
Staff
Carolyn Kennedy — District Manager
For more than a decade, she has served as District Manager, overseeing District operations and helping coordinate conservation projects, funding, and partnerships. Her work has included advancing acequia reservoir improvements, supporting soil-health programs, and representing the District in regional water-planning efforts.
Miriam Gagne — Assistant District Manager
As Assistant District Manager, she focuses on grant development, project coordination, community outreach, and building partnerships that bring conservation funding and assistance into the District. Her work includes wildfire resilience, watershed restoration, invasive-species removal, and support for rural communities and landowners.
For more than a decade, she has served as District Manager, overseeing District operations and helping coordinate conservation projects, funding, and partnerships. Her work has included advancing acequia reservoir improvements, supporting soil-health programs, and representing the District in regional water-planning efforts.
Miriam Gagne — Assistant District Manager
As Assistant District Manager, she focuses on grant development, project coordination, community outreach, and building partnerships that bring conservation funding and assistance into the District. Her work includes wildfire resilience, watershed restoration, invasive-species removal, and support for rural communities and landowners.
Technical Partners
Katie Mechenbier, Soil and Water Conservation Specialist
Hector Alvarez, District Conservation Specialist