Staff

Kristina G. Fisher is Think New Mexico’s Associate Director, Leadership Internship supervisor, and webmaster. A lifelong New Mexican, Kristina graduated first in her class from the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Natural Resources Journal. She is a recipient of the national Harry S Truman Fellowship for Leadership and Public Service and the Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Award for Excellence in Environmental Studies. In her free time, she helps lead the all-volunteer Albuquerque Wildlife Federation, where she organizes ecological restoration projects on lands across New Mexico and writes the group’s monthly newsletter, the Pine Cone. Kristina is active in land, water, and environmental justice issues across New Mexico.

Susan L. Martin is Think New Mexico’s Business Manager. A graduate of the College of Santa Fe, Susan has extensive business management experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sector, from a 14-year stint at the Santa Fe Opera to her most recent position at the start-up Deep Web Technologies. In her free time, Susan volunteers with the International Folk Art Market and serves as the Majordomo of the Amy Hetegar Community Garden in Casa Solana.

Fred Nathan, Jr. founded Think New Mexico and is its Executive Director. Fred served as Special Counsel to New Mexico Attorney General Tom Udall from 1991-1998. In that capacity, he was the architect of several successful legislative initiatives and was in charge of New Mexico’s lawsuit against the tobacco industry, which resulted in a $1.25 billion settlement for the state. Fred serves on the boards of Santa Fe Preparatory School and the Thornburg Foundation, and is a former trustee of his alma mater, Williams College.

Mandi J. Torrez is Think New Mexico’s Education Reform Director. Mandi was the 2020 New Mexico Teacher of the Year. She has a decade of experience teaching third and fourth grade in the Bernalillo Public Schools, and she was recognized as that district’s 2019 Teacher of the Year. Mandi holds a BS in Journalism and an MS in Integrated Elementary and Special Education, and before becoming a teacher, she worked at the Farmington Daily Times as the News Editor and as Copy Editor. Prior to joining Think New Mexico, Mandi served as Teacher Liaison at the Public Education Department from 2020-2022.

Dr. Alfredo Vigil is Think New Mexico’s Healthcare Reform Director. Alfredo grew up in Los Alamos and earned his B.S. and M.D. from the University of New Mexico. He served as New Mexico Secretary of Health under Governor Bill Richardson. Alfredo has been a physician in private practice, served as the medical director of the Questa Health Center, Chief of Staff of Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, and CEO of El Centro Family Health in Espanola. He also served on the Clinical Faculty at the UNM School of Medicine. Alfredo has served as President of the New Mexico Academy of Family Practice; Chair of the NM Primary Care Association; Chair of the Board of Directors of Holy Cross Hospital; and a member of the NM Medical Licensing Board, as well as Board Chair of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Current Interns

Laurel Nash Jarecki grew up in Albuquerque, NM and graduated from Albuquerque Academy in 2023. She is now a sophomore at Princeton University, where she plans to major in Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs, concentrating in Global Health/Health Policy and Climate Sciences. In high school, Laurel served as a Student Senator and as President of Albuquerque Academy’s Health Occupations Students of America–Future Health Professionals chapter during its second year. In that role, she focused on expanding participation in the chapter and organizing opportunities for CPR training for the school community. In college, she continues to dedicate time towards health policy-oriented activities such as HOSA-FHP and Princeton Public Health Forum, and she also serves as Chair of DEI on the Princeton Art Museum Student Advisory Board. Laurel is interested in pursuing either a JD or PhD program in a health-policy-related field and working to improve health care access and equity.

Alexandra Schweitzer Kroll was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM and is currently earning a BA in Economics at the University of New Mexico with a minor in Religious Studies and an honors certificate. Alex has previously interned for Mayor Tim Keller’s Office in Albuquerque and completed a Fred Harris internship in Representative Melanie Stansbury’s Office in Washington, DC. She has also worked as a swim instructor and an honors college Resident Advisor. At UNM, she founded a feminist literature book club, volunteered as a Peer Mentor, was elected president of her dorm’s Community Association, and is an active member of the Mountaineering Club. After graduation, Alex looks forward to effecting change through economic development and public policy that is created in collaboration with local communities.

Joaquin Romero is a native of Mora, NM and earned his high school degree from the United World College in Montezuma, NM. He is currently completing his undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies at Colorado College. Joaquin has served in student government since elementary school, and successfully advocated for access to healthier food in his middle school cafeteria. Throughout his life, he has participated in community service and assisted with political campaigns around his home region. He is continuing to engage in community service through the Bonner Fellowship Program at his university. The summer before working at Think New Mexico, Joaquin completed a legal research project regarding water rights for the New Mexico Acequia Association last summer, Joaquin plans to attend the University of New Mexico Law School after he finishes his undergraduate studies.

Nathan Slota is an Albuquerque native and a 2021 graduate of Albuquerque High School. In high school, Nathan participated in Model United Nations as well as Varsity Soccer, Swimming, and Track & Field. Nathan is a rising senior at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where he is pursuing a B.A. in history and international studies. He is a member of Sigma Iota Rho and Phi Alpha Theta honors societies while also serving as goalkeeper for the Rhodes College men’s soccer team. Nathan works for New Mexico United and volunteers for the Somos Unidos Foundation where he travels around the state offering soccer-related experiences to youth and New Mexicans at large. In his free time, Nathan plays soccer for New Mexico United U-23.