President Daniel Gutierrez

Daniel Gutierrez was born in San Diego California and raised in Santa Fe since age 2. He graduated from St Michael’s High School in 1975. He attended Highlands University and graduated from Northern New Mexico College. Daniel worked 45 years at the local hospital as a Radiologic Technologist serving in many capacities including various Director Positions.

Daniel was initiated in Elkdom in 1986. After 20 years of membership Daniel opted to become an officer at his lodge. During his second year as an officer, Daniel became the Exalted Ruler at his lodge and held that position for 7 more years. Daniel also served as an Auditor under then DDGER Brenda Ferri. He then served three years on the NMEA Board of Trustees, two of those years and Board Chair. Then through the chairs and now he has the honor of being President of the NMEA. A post that he is very humbled and proud to sit.

Daniel learned through his journey that practicing, Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity mean. Through all his positions and offices held, these each have guided him and helped him deal with different issues and projects assigned and to be successful in resolving lodge issues that have been presented to him. Daniel continues to practice these as he moves forward in his journey.

Daniel enjoys the beautiful outdoors that New Mexico has to offer. Camping and fishing are on his list of hobbies. Taking the camper up into the beautiful mountains and staying near the lakes and rivers to fish. Daniel’s Grandsons are the light of his life and spends a lot of time with them.

Daniel’s motto is “be the one”. He encourages members to step up and help where there are needs at their lodge. This can be fulfilling and rewarding. Daniel has done it himself in his own lodge and has experienced this feeling of fulfillment and reward himself!Daniel remains active in his home lodge and encourages all to stay active in their lodges and continue being successful!

President Elect Aaron Ballew

Aaron Ballew was born and raised in Carlsbad, NM.  He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1999.  He attended Columbia Southern University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management.

Aaron is a Field Safety Specialist in the oil and gas industry. Aaron was initiated into the Carlsbad Elks Lodge #1558 in 2004.  He served as Esquire in 2004, Inner Guard in 2005, Lecturing Knight in 2006, Loyal Knight in 2007, and Exalted Ruler in 2008.  He later served as a Board Trustee and Leading Knight in 2021.

In 2016, Aaron became involved in the NMEA as the Southeast Chairman for C&B Trust until he became the State Chair in 2020. He served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 2022 and 2023. 

In 2022, Aaron became the NMEA 5 Year Trustee, he was on the board for 3 years before becoming the NMEA Vice President. Aaron competed in ritual throughout his years as an officer of Carlsbad Lodge.

He won All-State honors as Candidate, Esquire, Inner Guard, Lecturing Knight and Exalted Ruler. He competed at Grand Lodge 6 times, making the Final Four 3 times. He won his All American Title as Exalted Ruler in Portland.  Aaron placed 2nd place overall in the Eleven O’clock Toast Competition in Kansas City, Missouri.

Aaron has been married to Veronica for 9 years.  Together they have four children (Caleb, Madison, Ashley and Jason) and one granddaughter (Mia).  He enjoys watching the kids and granddaughter in their sports and activities.

Vice President Tom Brown

Thomas “Tom” Brown is a dedicated member of the Farmington Elks Lodge #1747, where he has
demonstrated decades of leadership, service and commitment to the values of the organization. Initiated on
March 18,1978.

Tom has remained actively involved in lodge activities and has held numerous leadership
roles over the years. Throughout his tenure, Tom has served in a wide range of positions within the local lodge, including Treasurer, Trustee, Esquire, Lecturing Knight, and Exalted Ruler. His leadership experience extends beyond the local level, having also served as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. These roles reflect both his dedication and the trust placed in him by fellow members.
Professionally, Tom works as a Transportation Liaison and Bus discipline and safety, ensuring the well being of students and maintaining a secure transportation environment.
Tom has also participated in Grand Lodge sessions across the country, attending in cities such as Honolulu, Denver, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Orlando, Anaheim, Portland, and Minneapolis. His involvement at both the local and national levels highlights his deep commitment to the Elks organization.
With a strong foundation of service, leadership, and community involvement, Tom Brown continues to be a valuable and respected member of the New Mexico Elks Association.

Secretary Mary Rogers, Farmington #1747

Mary Rogers was born in Fort Lee, Virginia when her Dad was attending typewriter repair school for the US Army, they left when she was six weeks old and she has not been back. Mary is the second of five daughters of the late PSP Bob Batley and his love Troyetta. After graduating from Farmington High School, she married and went to work in the family business Office Supply and Service Company. When her parents retired, she stayed with the business until Office Max came to town; she helped open Office Max, setup new accounts and did outside sales to businesses. When she divorced, she switched to being a sales consultant for Carpet One Floor and Home; she worked there for fifteen years and became a minor partner in the business for the last five years of working there before retiring. She is Past President of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce

Her Dad joined the Elks when she was three years, so she has always heard about Elks. During her marriage she was involved in Farmington Does becoming Past President, 5-year Conductor and Trustee.

She joined Farmington Lodge in September 2002 and the next meeting was installed as esquire. She won All-State Esquire in 2003, All State Lecturing Knight in 2004 and All-State Leading Knight for 2006 for ritual.

Farmington was awarded the Robert Boney trophy for the year she was Exalted Ruler. Mary was honored to serve as District Deputy 2013-2014. For two years she was a training facilitator for the Northwest District. Mary has been Farmington Lodge Secretary for five years now.Her daughter Jymi is Past Exalted Ruler for Rio Rancho Lodge, Jymi’s daughter lives in Phoenix. My son Jesse is an Elk and he and his wife Dacia and their children Shyla and Boston live in Farmington. I enjoy talking Elks, my family, reading and camping.

Treasurer Geraldine Madrid, Las Vegas Lodge #408

Geraldine Madrid was born in Albuquerque, NM on February 1, 1963. Geraldine graduated from Valley High School in 1981. She attended TV-I and stated her banking career with US New Mexico Federal Credit Union (US Eagle). Geraldine moved to Las Vegas, NM in 1983 to join her fiancé (now husband) Domingo. She continued working in the banking field and attended UNM School of Anderson and graduated in 2006. Geraldine became an Assistant Vice President at Community 1st Bank, supervised 32 employees and 7 branch offices. Looking for another challenge, she decided to join the medical field in 2010. She became Office Manager for Dr. Frank Gallegos and completed all courses for Billing & Coding. With the banking and medical background, it landed her a career with the NMDOH as a Financial Specialist Supervisor.

Geraldine has been married to Domingo Madrid for 35 years. They have two dogs, Diamond and Milo.

Geraldine was initiated into Las Vegas Lodge #408 in 2004 and continues to be an active member. She was Lodge Treasurer for 14 years, has been Auditor for the NE District Deputy for two years and was a NMGCB Licensed Bingo Caller.

Geraldine has attended several NMEA State Conventions and has had the opportunity to attend a National Convention. In 2019 she was elected State Treasurer for the NM Elks Association and continues to hold that position today. In 2019, Geraldine was asked to take on the challenge of being the NM State Chairwomen for the FRS (Financial Reporting System) and continues in this capacity today.

Geraldine has not learned how to say “NO”.