Board Members
Lance Robert - Board President
Lance is a Texas Professional Geologist with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas and environmental consulting industries, over half of which was outside of the US. Much of his career was focused on remediation of contaminated sites, involving both soil and groundwater impacts. In the early 2000’s he spent five wonderful years in El Paso on a project at the, then Chevron/Western Refinery leading the soil and groundwater remediation programs. Recently, on returning to the US, El Paso was his place of choice to settle with his wife of 30 years. He is a nature lover and rock-hounder, you can often find him out in the desert on a or quad exploring new places.
Hazel Awalt - Board Treasurer
Hazel is a retired pathologist with an interest in science, nature, history and anthropology. Her hobbies include traveling, cooking and dancing tango with her husband. She hopes to support and expand the range of Celebration of Our Mountains activities. Hazel is looking forward to meeting our El Paso and beyond community at CoM events.
Brian Gillis - Secretary
Recently retired educator teaching Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Sciences for El Paso Independent school district and El Paso Community College. Worked as the EPISD district science facilitator for 8 years as a teacher of teachers to help improve science education in the city. Joined the board of Celebration of Our Mountains to help expose the beauty and history of the great mountain ranges of the desert southwest and to get people back outside to experience nature and the culture of our region.
Melissa N. Ortega, PhD - Board Member and Advisory Board Lead - Trips Committee
Dr. Melissa N. Ortega, a PhD graduate c/o '18 in Teaching, Learning, and Culture and a current PhD student in Geological Sciences at UTEP, is passionate about education and the outdoors. With experience as a middle school science teacher, district science instructional officer, and former District 1 Representative on the Texas State Board of Education, she brings a wealth of expertise to the Celebration of our Mountains. Dr. Ortega has also served on the boards of the Rural Schools Education Program & Scholarship Foundation (2017-2022) and the El Paso Insights Science Museum (2009-2011). Dr. Ortega currently serves in a leadership role and adjunct faculty role at UTEP. An avid climber, kayaker, cyclist, camper, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast she loves exploring nature with her family. She is dedicated to helping the community discover and appreciate the rich nature and human history of our region's mountains.
Advisory Board
Katalina Salas, PhD - Outreach Committee Lead
Emmanuel Sosa - Outreach Committee