Norman Vigil was born and raised in northern New Mexico on a small ranch in Canjilon. He earned his BS from New Mexico State University in Range Science in 1979. He was employed by the Soil Conservation Service in 1977 and retired from the Natural Resources Conservation Service in 2013 after 36 years of federal service. In 1982, Norman moved to Baggs, Wyoming to become the District Conservationist with Soil Conservation Service and returned to New Mexico in 2000. He served in numerous positions for NRCS throughout his career as Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, Assistant State Conservationist for Operations, Area Conservationist, Team Leader, District Conservationist, Range Conservationist, Student Trainee and Soil Conservation Technician. Norman had the opportunity as Acting State Conservationist in North Dakota, Nevada and New Mexico as well as acting Program Manager in Washington DC. He is currently retired in Canjilon raising cattle and hay, and enjoying 8 grandkids – 3 girls and 5 boys. Norman was elected to the Upper Chama SWCD in 2020.

Mr. Paul Cordova, a resident of the Los Ojos/Tierra Amarilla area for an extended period, has been in the employ of Rio Arriba County for a duration of 14 years. Presently, he holds the position of Senior GIS Anylyst/Mapping Supervisor. Additionally, Mr. Cordova serves as a board member for the NORA Electric Coop, the Ensenada Domestic Water Association, the Ensenada Acequia Association, and is an active member of the Tierra Amarilla Volunteer Fire Department. He has been a Supervisor with the UCSWCD for a period of 4 years.

Horace Leyba is a lifelong resident of Canjilon, New Mexico. He has lived on the family ranch, where he helps his brothers on the ranch. In his spare time, Horace enjoys woodcarving. He retired from the NMDOT in 2002 and has worked helping on the ranch. Horace ran unopposed in 2007 for Board Supervisor and has been on the Board since then. Horace has seen the growth of the UCSWCD with our building and several projects during this time.

J. Agapito Candelaria was born and raised in the community of Los Ojos, New Mexico with a farm and ranch background. He attended New Mexico State University where he pursued a BS Degree in AXED. He was a 4-H Agent for the County of Río Arriba for a number of years. He then has held several positions in RAC, to include Chief Appraiser for the Assessor’s Office. He also served in the Planning and Zoning Department, while retiring as RAC Treasurer. Throughout his career he served as a member of the RC&D Council representing the County of RA, and the Upper Chama Soil Conservation District. He is a Charter Member of the Río Arriba County Fair Association, in which case he assisted, through RC&D Council in organizing/establishing the Río Arriba County Rural Events Center. In serving as a member of the UCSWCD, he assisted in acquiring land to establish a headquarters, where he has served as Chairman/Vice- Chairman. In so doing, he helped establish the Cooperative Weed Management area. On occasions he has assisted the San José Parish in organizing their Annual Santiago Fiestas and is currently serving as Chairman of the Los Ojos Domestic Water Association.