Hires, Applause, ETC: Albuquerque Journal Business Briefcase

Mar. 18—Welcome

Ali Saad has been named chief executive officer at MNT SmartSolutions. Saad brings more than 15 years of experience in cosmetic dentistry and as a multi-site dental owner. His leadership as co-founder and CEO of Prime Dentistry has earned him recognition as a "Top Leadership Voice" on LinkedIn and the official dentist for Miss USA. In addition to his dental achievements, Saad is known as an industry mentor and advisor and has been featured in publications like Beckers Healthcare and Hour Detroit Magazine. MNT SmartSolutions was founded in 2019 and aims to engineer and deliver innovative, science-proven oral care products that address oral decay and disease at their source.

Mohamed Saad has been named chief operating officer at MNT SmartSolutions. Saad is an award-winning aesthetic dentist who has transitioned into a healthcare entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Prime Dentistry. He has been featured on the covers of publications such as DBusiness, Hour Detroit and Beckers Healthcare.

Gabrielle Uballez has joined New Mexico Voices for Children as executive director. Uballez has more than a decade of experience in organizational leadership, partnership development, program design and racial equity. She most recently served as a program officer at Asset Funders Network. Prior to her work at Asset Funders, Uballez served as the co-director of the U.S. Department of Arts & Culture, executive director of Working Classroom, co-facilitator of the New Mexico Women of Color Nonprofit Leadership Initiative at the Santa Fe Community Foundation and chairperson of the city of Albuquerque Urban Enhancement Trust Fund. She has also provided advisory services to national and local foundations in areas including racial equity, youth development, economic justice and arts and activism. Uballez holds a bachelor's degree from Pomona College and has completed a certificate program in nonprofit executive leadership from the Stanford School of Business. NM Voices was founded in 1987 and aims to improve child health and well-being through public policy.

Promotion

Brandy Van Pelt-Ramirez has been named chief executive officer at La Familia Health. Van Pelt-Ramirez has been interim CEO since October, and the position is now permanent. She has both bachelor's and master's degree from Florida State University and is currently working on her doctorate in Healthcare Administration through Capella University. She is licensed by the state of New Mexico in social work. Van Pelt-Ramirez has 25 years of experience in nonprofit management in New Mexico and Florida. Prior to joining La Familia in 2018, she was director of clinical services centennial care at Blue Cross Blue Shield and state director of program services at March of Dimes. Van Pelt-Ramirez has received the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Fellow, "Forty under 40" awardee by New Mexico Business Weekly, and National March of Dimes Program of the Year awardee.

Applause

The Small Business Administration New Mexico has announced the 2024 SBA New Mexico National Small Business Week Award winners.

The winners are:

2024 New Mexico Small Business Person of the Year — Christopher J. Sweetin, co-founder and chief executive officer of Triskelion Group of New Mexico, Inc.2024 New Mexico Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation — SBDC-Luna Community College, Las Vegas, NM2024 New Mexico Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year — Dr. Ndidiamaka Okpareke, owner and president of Olive Tree Compounding Pharmacy2024 New Mexico Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year — William "Paul" Farless, president and CEO of SDV Construction, Inc.2024 New Mexico Women-Owned Small Business of the Year — Silvia Terrazas, owner president of Paleteria La Reyna Michoacana, Inc.2023 New Mexico Legacy Award — Ernie C' de Baca, president and CEO Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce2024 New Mexico Community Lender — Western Commerce Bank2024 New Mexico 7(a) Lender the Year — Western Commerce Bank2024 New Mexico 504 Lender of the Year — New Mexico Bank and Trust2024 New Mexico 504 Certified Development Company Lender of the Year — Capital Certified Development Corporation2024 New Mexico 504 3rd-Party Lender of the Year — Main Bank2024 New Mexico Microlender of the Year — WESST

Brad Killman has received the Presidents Club Award for 2023 and the 2023 Top COD Salesperson Award from Bekins Van Lines. Bekins' sales recognition award program recognizes individuals within the van line network who educate customers moving out of state and book their moves over the course of the year. The Presidents Club is one of the highest sales recognitions a moving consultant can achieve from the van line. Killman is one of only three Bekins representatives to achieve the Presidents Club Award in 2023. This is the second consecutive year Killman has earned the Top COD Salesperson award. He has consistently earned his place in the Presidents Club annually. Bekins Van Lines is the fourth-largest household goods carrier in the United States.

Etc.

WESST has announced its new members and officers for the 2024 Board of Directors. The new officers are:

Cheryl Hardt, CBRE — Chair

Mariam Bruce, Gridworks/Affordable Solar — Vice Chair

Mike Lowrimore, Bank of the West — Treasurer

Jacob Sena, Wells Fargo — Secretary

Cara Gordon Potter, Gordon Electric Supply, Inc. — Immediate Past Chair

Joining members:

Angela Baca, vice president relationship manger of Bank of AlbuquerqueEmily Rembe Benak, president of Pennysmith's PaperAimeé González, general counsel at Titan DevelopmentSuzanne Mirabal, senior vice president of First National 1870Bayard Roberts IV, attorney at Modrall SperlingTana Traylor, owner of Doorman LLC.

Returning members:

Emilly Allen, Dekker Perich SabatiniEduardo A. Duffy, Sutin, Thayer, & Brown APCFrank Fine, community volunteerTodd Fridley, PNMMonica Jojola, Montech, Inc.Nicole Johnny, Raven Indigenous Capital PartnersMolly Bell, community volunteerKen Carson, Jr., CEO Nexus Brewery, LLCLinda Cooper, SVP consumer market director, Bank of AlbuquerqueLouis Zaina, CEO, RoofCARE

Bulletin Board

Femcity Albuquerque will host its monthly wellness talk for women of all ages and backgrounds 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Two Cranes Bistro and Brew 901 Rio Grande NW Suite A192m. This month's speaker will be Miriam Ortiz Y Pino, from More Than Organized. This networking event is for FemCity members, but a free 30-day membership is available, and events are free for first time attendees. To learn more or RSVP visit femcity.com/albuquerque. For questions, email Terri Dean at Terri@femcity.com.