Staff Directory
Dana DeRego Catron
Interim Director, Arrowhead Center | Interim President & CEO, Arrowhead Center, Inc.
Dana DeRego Catron leads Arrowhead Center as Interim Director and serves as Interim President and CEO of Arrowhead Center, Inc. She has extensive expertise in technology commercialization, SBIR/STTR programs, and public-private partnerships. Dana is the founder of the NM Clean Energy Resilience and Growth cluster and site director for ASCEND. She holds a Bachelor’s from Washington State University, a Master’s from NMSU, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Professional Communication.
Paula Garcia
Resident Manager, Genesis Center
Paula Garcia serves as the Resident Manager at the Genesis Center, where she ensures smooth daily operations and creates a welcoming environment for tenants and visitors. She earned her Associate degree in General Studies from Doña Ana Community College and is pursuing an additional degree in Criminal Justice. Paula is an active community volunteer and enjoys attending her granddaughter’s athletic events. Her dedication to service makes her an essential part of the Arrowhead team.
Robert Bloomquist
Program Specialist, Arrowhead Center
Robert Bloomquist is a Program Specialist supporting entrepreneurship initiatives at Arrowhead Center. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with minors in Advertising and Professional Selling from New Mexico State University. Robert brings a strong foundation in marketing, leadership, and technology and applies these skills across various projects and client interactions. His academic involvement and real-world experience make him a valuable contributor to Arrowhead’s services for entrepreneurs and innovators.
Carlos Cuesta
Program Director, Studio G and Nusenda Fintech Lab | Economic Development Officer
Carlos Cuesta directs Studio G and the Nusenda Fintech Lab at Arrowhead Center, supporting student entrepreneurs and fintech innovators. He holds an MBA and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Finance and International Business from NMSU. Carlos is certified in LeanStack, Cap Tables, and Fintech, and was honored with the College of Business’s highest award in 2019. He brings strong financial, technical, and business development expertise to his work in advancing economic growth and startup support.
Dr. Becki Roan Graham
Senior Program Manager, Arrowhead Center
Becki Graham is a Senior Program Manager at Arrowhead Center, where she supports strategic planning, communications, and program development. She contributes to grant writing and reporting while helping strengthen relationships across the NMSU system and with external partners. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Anthropology, and a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Professional Communication, all supporting her interdisciplinary leadership approach.
Justin Karrenberg
Program Manager, AIBE
Justin Karrenberg serves as Program Manager for AIBE, supporting Native American student and community entrepreneurship. He brings years of experience in academic program development and stakeholder collaboration, with prior roles at the NM Alliance for Minority Participation and Indian Resource Development. Justin holds a B.A. in Secondary Education and an M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction, with a minor in Native American Studies, from NMSU. He’s committed to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and building pathways for underrepresented student populations.
Peter Knapp
Senior Program Manager, Arrowhead Center
Peter Knapp is the Senior Graphic Designer and Visual Communications Lead at Arrowhead Center. With over a decade of experience in branding, web design, and visual strategy, Peter helps shape the look and feel of Arrowhead’s programs and public presence. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from NMSU and brings a sophisticated, creative approach to every project, ensuring consistency and impact across print and digital materials.
Mariana Bucio-Martinez
Communication Specialist, Arrowhead Center
Mariana Bucio-Martinez is a Communication Specialist at Arrowhead Center, where she focuses on graphic design, marketing coordination, and student engagement. A graduate of NMSU, Mariana earned a B.A. in Graphic Design with a minor in Marketing. She collaborates with students and staff to develop clear, engaging visual content for social media and other outreach materials, helping strengthen Arrowhead’s brand and digital presence across platforms.
Patricia Marquez Knighten
Director of Innovation Commercialization, Office of Intellectual Property
Patricia Knighten supports and expands Arrowhead Center’s commercialization efforts. She brings experience from startups, Fortune 500 companies, federal labs, and economic development initiatives. Patricia has worked in aerospace, nuclear, and information technology sectors, serving as a bridge between business and technical teams. She holds a B.S. in Management/Logistics from Weber State and master’s certificates in Project Management and Lean Six Sigma from Villanova University, providing her with cross-sector insight and strategic leadership.
Caroline Lee
Senior Program Manager, Santa Fe Small Business Navigator
Caroline Lee serves as Senior Program Manager for the Santa Fe Small Business Navigator at Arrowhead Center. She brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare, finance, and life sciences, including roles in equity research, asset management, and risk analytics. Caroline holds a B.S. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from MIT. She has also served on nonprofit boards supporting mental health and the arts, applying a strategic mindset to entrepreneurial support and community impact.
Vanessa Mills
Accountant, Arrowhead Center Inc.
Vanessa Mills is the Accountant for Arrowhead Center, Inc., where she oversees financial operations, reporting, and compliance for the nonprofit organization. She has worked in Las Cruces’s nonprofit sector for several years and brings valuable experience in nonprofit accounting practices. Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Accountancy from NMSU and is currently pursuing her CPA license. Her attention to detail and commitment to accountability support Arrowhead’s financial health and transparency.
Dr. Kristin Morehead
Director, Community Entrepreneurship Division
Kristin Morehead is the Director of the Community Entrepreneurship Division at Arrowhead Center, overseeing programs that support small businesses and rural communities across New Mexico. She leads initiatives including Arrowhead Ventures, the AgVenture Center, and WE Mean Business. Kristin also supports grant development and strategic partnerships. She holds a Master’s in Anthropology and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration from NMSU, combining research and real-world expertise to expand entrepreneurial opportunities statewide.
Carlos Murguia
Associate Fund Manager, Arrowhead Innovation Fund | Director, Foster Innovation Exchange & Hunt Center
Carlos Murguia supports startup growth as Associate Fund Manager for the Arrowhead Innovation Fund and Director of the Foster Innovation Exchange and Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship. He oversees business support programs in key sectors like agriculture, biotech, and water tech. Carlos is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and SCRUM Master. A recipient of the NMSU Outstanding Graduate Award, he brings deep knowledge of investment readiness and ecosystem building in the Paso del Norte region.
Alejandro Najera-Acosta
Program Specialist, Sr., Arrowhead Center
Alejandro Najera-Acosta is a Senior Program Specialist and Ph.D. student in Industrial Engineering at NMSU. He specializes in applied statistics, manufacturing systems, and quality assurance. Originally from Ciudad Juárez, he has led academic and industry collaborations between NMSU and UACJ. Alejandro holds a B.Sc. and M.Eng. from UACJ and has received academic honors including the COPARMEX Business Award and the Love Learning Award. His work spans research, teaching, and entrepreneurship support.
Dr. Ed Pines
Professor in Residence, Arrowhead Center
Dr. Ed Pines is a Professor of Industrial Engineering at NMSU and serves as Professor-in-Residence at Arrowhead Center. He specializes in systems and engineering management and supports entrepreneurial education programs across campus. Before academia, Ed worked in aerospace and electronics manufacturing. He is an Enterprise Advisor and serves on the boards of Quality New Mexico and the High Tech Consortium of Southern New Mexico. He brings decades of leadership in innovation and education.
Alexxis Renteria
Communication Specialist, Arrowhead Center
Alexxis Renteria is a Communication Specialist focused on brand development and web design for Arrowhead Center. She leads a student team producing marketing materials and maintains the center’s digital platforms. Alexxis holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from NMSU and an Associate of Applied Science in Advertising Graphics and Design from El Paso Community College. Her creative direction helps ensure Arrowhead’s identity is visually engaging, professional, and accessible across all communication channels.
Sandi Ringwood
Program Manager, Innoventure
Sandi Ringwood manages the Innoventure program at Arrowhead Center, delivering youth entrepreneurship education across New Mexico through initiatives like Camp Innoventure and Innoventure Junior. With a background as a teacher and director of education, she brings a strong foundation in curriculum design and youth engagement. Sandi earned her Bachelor’s degree in education from Northern Arizona University and is passionate about empowering K–12 students to explore creativity, business thinking, and problem-solving from an early age.
Wayne L. Savage
Executive Director, Arrowhead Park
Wayne Savage is Executive Director of Arrowhead Park, bringing over 30 years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing, chemical production, economic development, and construction management. An NMSU Industrial Engineering graduate and Ingeniero Imminente awardee, Wayne has played a key role in developing Spaceport America and advancing the commercial space industry in New Mexico. He continues to engage with industry leaders to bring innovative businesses and research opportunities to the region.
Aaron Stoddard
Program Manager, Arrowhead Center
Aaron Stoddard is a Program Manager at Arrowhead Center, coordinating outreach, logistics, and small business support initiatives. He brings extensive experience in event planning, program administration, and relationship-building. Aaron holds a Bachelor’s in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management and an MBA from NMSU. His attention to detail and ability to manage complex projects contribute to the successful execution of Arrowhead programs across New Mexico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Carissa Trujillo
Program Specialist & Instructor, Arrowhead Center
Carissa Trujillo is a Program Specialist and lead instructor for Arrowhead Center’s Sprint Accelerator programs. She holds a BBA in Marketing, with a minor in Accounting, from NMSU and brings over a decade of experience supporting nonprofits and education initiatives nationally and internationally. Carissa has assisted more than 100 entrepreneurs across New Mexico and served on nonprofit boards, where she continues her commitment to empowering small business owners and community impact.
Ana Cristina Vargas
Marketing Communication Specialist, Studio G
Cristina Vargas is a Marketing Communications Specialist at Arrowhead Center, where she promotes programs such as Studio G and the University Center. With over a decade of marketing experience and a degree in marketing, Cristina develops strategic content, manages campaigns, coordinates events, and provides mentorship in branding and communications. She works closely with internal teams and clients to support their marketing goals and help them succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.
Shasta Younker
Program Specialist, Sr., Studio G
Shasta Younker is a Senior Program Specialist for Studio G, supporting student entrepreneurs across New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science and a Master’s in Agricultural Business from NMSU. Shasta helps connect students with business advisors and startup resources, focusing on bridging education with real-world application. Her work empowers students to bring their ideas to life while supporting statewide entrepreneurship. Outside of work, she enjoys horseback riding, archery, and family time.
John Waller
Program Specialist, Arrowhead Center
John Waller is a Program Specialist supporting NM FAST, the University Center, and NMSBA at Arrowhead Center. He develops instructional content, presents webinars, and helps clients prepare for federal funding opportunities. John also supports innovation curriculum development and connects small businesses with subject matter experts. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Columbus State University and an M.Sc. in Biology from NMSU, bringing a science-based lens to entrepreneurship and commercialization initiatives.
Dr. Kramer Winingham
Program Director, Arrowhead Center | Director, NSF I-Corps Site at NMSU
Dr. Kramer Winingham serves as a Program Director at Arrowhead Center and leads NMSU’s NSF I-Corps Site. He holds an MBA in Finance and Information Systems and a Doctorate of Economic Development from NMSU. His doctoral research on technology transfer and design thinking informs his commercialization work. Kramer also serves as CEO of two tech companies and owns a property management business, bringing practical insight into innovation-driven economic development.