Who we are
Board of Directors
Stephen Lindsey | Board Chair
I have been proud to serve as Chairman of the Board at The Future Forge since 2020, stepping into the role of Board Chair of the Gila Community Foundation in 2023. With over seven years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I am passionate about fostering creativity, economic growth, and community empowerment.
I am fortunate to contribute to arts advocacy as a board member of Creative New Mexico, a statewide organization dedicated to promoting the arts. In 2023, I had the opportunity to work on the Grant County Resiliency Project as an economic developer, focusing on sustainability and supporting local businesses.
I hold an undergraduate degree in Sustainable Development and an MBA from Western New Mexico University (WNMU). I’m honored to have been inducted into the WNMU Alumni Hall of Fame in 2023 and the Student Hall of Fame in 2024, achievements that reflect my dedication to lifelong learning and community leadership.
Silver City has been my home for 23 years, and I’m deeply committed to contributing to its growth and resilience. Through my work I aim to inspire innovation, collaboration, and positive change in our community. I hope my leadership roles continue to inspire creativity and collaboration, and can make a lasting impact on the region.
Peggy Hutchinson | Secretary
Moving to Silver City after retiring, I found myself immersed in a community abounding with opportunities to give back. It has been my honor to be involved in many of our local non-profits since 2013, including the Southwest Word Fiesta, the Youth Mural Program, Virus Theater, Give Grandly and many others.
I was fortunate to be involved with the Grant County Community Foundation at its beginnings, and am thrilled to be returning now as the Gila Community Foundation moves into its next iteration.
Katelyn Church | Treasurer
Katelyn currently serves as the Coordinator of Technology for the Cobre Consolidated School District, a role she has held since July 2023. In this position, she provides essential support for the diverse technological needs of students, staff, and teachers, ensuring that technology enhances student learning experiences.
In addition to her work at Cobre, Katelyn is an ordained Baptist minister who is in the process of transferring her ordination to the United Church of Christ. Her ministry experience spans a range of roles, including education director, pastor, and hospital chaplain.
Katelyn is also a sought-after public speaker and author, addressing topics such as the importance of customer service in the IT industry, LGBTQIA+ issues, Progressive Christianity, and coping with death, loss, and grief. Her engaging style and breadth of knowledge make her a compelling voice on these and other subjects.
A dedicated volunteer, Katelyn has contributed her time and skills to numerous causes, most notably with Habitat for Humanity in several states.
Before settling in Grant County, Katelyn lived in Eastern Washington, Alaska, Lubbock, Texas, and grew up in South Mississippi. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and exploring nature whenever possible.
Jennifer Klotz | Bookkeeper & Board Member
Vladimir Gnilozubov | Board Member
Ike Foster | Board Member
Since 2013, Ike has been a dedicated team member at the local Toyota dealership, where he has successfully navigated two ownership transitions. His commitment and customer-first approach have earned him the role of Senior Salesman. Known for his integrity and knowledge, Ike is trusted by many throughout the region for their vehicle needs.
Ike is honored to serve on the board of the Gila Community Foundation and is passionate about supporting the people and nonprofits that make southwest New Mexico thrive.
Priscilla C. Lucero | Board Member
I have been employed by the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments since 1987 (37 years). In 2003, I was promoted to Executive Director. I provide technical assistance to local governments in the Counties of Catron, Grant, Hidalgo and Luna in the areas of economic development, transportation, housing, water and wastewater infrastructure, legislative and community development etc. I am currently involved in the following organizations NM Colonias Infrastructure Board, Opportunity Enterprise Act Board and the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority Weatherization Committee. I was just recently appointed to the NM Mortgage Finance Authority Housing Trust Fund Committee and to the NMFA Water Trust Board.
My passion is to improve the quality of life for the residents in New Mexico. Some of my awards include: Grant County Citizen of the Year, Girls Scouts of the Desert Southwest Woman of Distinction, Rotary Service Above- Self Award and the Joe Guillen Award.
April E. Crosby | Board Member
April lives 30 miles northwest of Silver City, in the rural Gila River valley, where she first hiked the Gila National Forest and Wilderness 60 years ago. She is a retired philosophy professor and university administrator, having taught in Maine, Colorado, and in Alaska, where she lived for 40 years. After academia, she was an investigator for the State of Alaska Ombudsman and did organizational development consulting with nonprofit organizations and natural resource management agencies. She has served on many nonprofit boards, most recently with The Gila Valley Library.
With her late husband, April spent parts of winter in Gila for 20 years and her commitment to New Mexico’s public lands deepened. She moved permanently in 2019. She’s an avid reader, hiker, world traveler and volunteer. “Community service comes naturally,” she says. “We were raised knowing it takes a group of committed people to make things better. I enjoy being part of a team and the Gila Community Foundation is a great one.”