Building a Better Albuquerque
Meet The Board
The Board of Directors serves as the governing board for the Greater Albuquerque Housing Partnership (GAHP), a private non-profit 501(c)3, and a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). Our board members believe that providing affordable housing is the key to building a better Albuquerque.
If you are interested in serving, email us at info@abqgahp.org.
As a second generation architect, Don Dudley brings a diverse perspective with regard to housing. His interest in this building typology began as an undergraduate when he studied housing abroad in the mid '80's and lived in Berlin, Germany. He later studied under the esteemed housing professor in the southwest, George Anselevicius. After serving on the senior design staff for Antoine Predock, Don started his own architectural firm and has won numerous awards for projects in the southwest. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and has been a guest lecturer and architecture instructor at the University of New Mexico and North Carolina State University.
Don Dudley
Board President
Tessah Latson has over 20 years working within the nonprofit and governmental sectors of New Mexico. She is currently the State Director of Best Buddies International of New Mexico, and works to expand programs, awareness and resources to support New Mexican children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Tessah's career has encompassed education, workforce and economic development programming and partnership cultivation through an equity lens in Albuquerque and throughout the state of NM. She holds a BA from University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a MA in Intercultural Relations, Community Development Emphasis from Lesley University
Tessah Latson
Board Vice President
As a current GAHP resident, Juliea Benzaquen is an active member in her local community and a great voice for our residents. Having a resident on the GAHP Board gives our future developments a deeper connection and a better understanding of resident needs. She and her late husband moved to New Mexico in 2005. Juliea enjoys the food and people of Albuquerque and being outdoors in nature. She has a B.A. in Art Education from the University of New Mexico.
Juliea Benzaquen
Board Secretary
Elvira Lopez, AICP is a program planner for Bernalillo County. She received her BA from UC Berkeley in Development Studies and her Masters Degree from UNM's School of Architecture and Planning. Ms. Lopez is AICP Certified from the American Institute of Certified Planners. Ms. Lopez is also a Teach for America alumni (97' Corps member) having served inner-city youth in Oakland, California soon after completing her undergraduate degree. Ms. Lopez is a native of California, with immigrant roots in Mexico, but considers New Mexico her home, raising her two children with her husband.
Elvira Lopez, AICP
Treasurer
Russell Brito is a land use planner with over 27 years experience including a 26 year career with the City of Albuquerque as a Long Range Planner, a Planner for the Environmental Planning Commission, and ultimately as the Planning Manager of the Urban Design & Development Division. Russell currently serves as a Land Use and Permitting Administrator with PNM helping to plan for and develop new electric facilities that are needed for existing and new housing, businesses, institutions, and the electrification of the transportation system. He is a lifelong Burqueño and a proud alumnus of Valley High School and the UNM School of Architecture and Planning. Russell joined the GAHP Board of Directors in April 2021.
Russell Brito
Director
Sarah Hurteau is the Executive Director of Integrated Biological Solutions, LLC where she focuses on building climate smart habitats for wildlife and people in urban communities. Prior to this position, Sarah served as the Urban Programs Director at the New Mexico Nature Conservancy. She has an MS in Environmental Science and Policy from Northern Arizona University. Sarah joined the GAHP Board in April 2021.
Sarah Hurteau
Director
Alan is a first generation Italian American, born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a graduate of Saint Pius High school and the University of New Mexico School of Business. Alan has practiced Commercial Real Estate since 1994 at Berger Briggs Real Estate & Insurance, Inc., and has owned various properties in and around downtown Albuquerque and throughout the City. Alan manages multiplex commercial properties throughout the City as well. Alan served on multiple boards dedicated to rejuvenating Albuquerque Downtown. He is committed to preservation and efficient operation of commercial properties.