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. 

Dean Van Matre - Vice President

Being a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor in Texas and 3 Western States has provided Mr. Van Matre with an opportunity to spend a large amount of time working, visiting, and researching the great southwest. After nearly 30 years spent on the road mapping and measuring the urban and suburban lands, from the Deserts to the Mountain tops, time has come to engage with the community of our Paso Del Norte Region and support and the mantra of Celebration of Our Mountains “Explore – Educate – Inspire”. Additionally, Mr. Van Matre is engaged in sharing the History of the mapping and Land Tenure of the Paso Del Norte Region with origins with the first Spanish Entradas into the Region.

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.

Advisory Board

Our advisory board is under development.  We are seeking select qualified members to assist in the scope and direction of the organization through the advisory board.