Richard Ellenberg, a retired attorney, is a former chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico and of the Democratic Party of Santa Fe County. As DPSFC chair he is credited with modernizing the party’s operations.
He graduated from Brown University and earned his juris doctorate from Harvard, both cum laude. He is recognized for his continued support of DPSFC and rallying support for Democratic candidates throughout New Mexico. For the last several election cycles, Ellenberg has supplied yard signs for the county party to distribute as a fundraiser and is always the first to say yes when asked to support county events.
He began his political activism while in high school as a door-to-door canvasser in Manhattan for Reform Democrats and worked on a campaign in Atlanta, which successfully unseated a judge who relied upon the Bible for decisions rather than the rule of law.
An advocate for the underdog, he began his professional career with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society as a housing specialist and was director of Interfaith, Inc., a low-income housing nonprofit. Later he was a partner in the firm Ellenberg, Ogier & Rothschild, P.C. in Atlanta, Ga.
In Santa Fe, he founded and directed the Santa Fe Canyon Preservation Association, which is funding the Water History Park and a project to tell the story of the Great Water Theft. He has also served on the board of directors of the Old Santa Fe Association; as director for over 20 years of Canyon Neighborhood Association; and as treasurer and commissioner of Acequia del Llano for over 20 years.
Barbara Serna is recognized for a lifetime of dedication to the state and county Democratic Party, including service on the State Central Committee. She has been a tireless advocate and leader for New Mexico families and women business owners.
Among her volunteer activities:
- Former First Lady Alice King appointed her to the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Ranch, which brings a brighter future to at-risk youth.
- Former First Lady of the United States and Secretary Hillary Clinton selected her to participate in a leadership conference that centered around women business owners in rural communities.
A native of Santa Fe, she established Alicia Fine Jewelers in Española in 1985, which she still operates, and is a member of the prestigious Jewelers Board of Trade. Her sons have called the store “the unofficial Democratic Headquarters for Northern New Mexico.” That’s because every election cycle you can pick up signs and candidate literature for all Democratic candidates.
She is a member of the oldest running woman-led community organization in the United States, whose mission is to keep alive the Spanish culture, heritage, and traditions of Northern New Mexico. In addition, she helps raise money for students to attend St. Michael’s High School with her work on the St. Michael’s Foundation, served as a mentor to students in the Española Valley, and was named Woman of the Year by the Española Chamber of Commerce.
Barbara Serna sets an example for all in community service with heart and devotion.
Darrell Deaguero is regional president of the Laborers Union which represents construction workers in New Mexico, nine counties in West Texas and the Navajo Nation. Because of Deaguero, the union has been a strong supporter of the Democratic Party of Santa Fe and Democratic candidates.
He is the son of a LiUNA Local 16 member and carries his parents’ legacy of public service and a strong blue-collar work ethic. He is a second-generation construction laborer and a second-generation member of the Laborers Union Local 16.
Aside from working as an advocate for workers, he researches, develops, interprets, and administers union agreements regarding wages, benefits, employee working conditions, health care, pensions, union/management practices, grievances, and other contractual provisions. He has worked with both labor and management, developing positive partnership environments since becoming president of the Local Union more than 10 years ago.
His leadership includes service on these boards:
- Executive Board LIUNA Local 16
- Southern California District Council of Laborers Delegate
- Southwest Multi-Craft Health and Welfare Trust Fund Trustee
- New Mexico Laborers Training and Apprenticeship Trust Fund Trustee
- Four Corners Central Labor Council Delegate
- Nal-Nishii Federation of Labor Delegate
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed him to the New Mexico Advisory Council on Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Disease Disablement.