The featured board member this month is Dr. John Stichman who currently serves as the Secretary and Treasurer. “In terms of what I hope to accomplish as Secretary/Treasurer is to be sure, on behalf of the Board, that UNM Rainforest Innovations’ financial status and systems are well-functioning and that they fully support the organization’s mission. In turn, I make certain that the Board is well-informed on financial matters, so that it can fulfill its due diligence responsibilities. As a member of the Executive Committee, I aid in formulating policies and procedures.”

Dr. Stichman first joined the Board in 2007 and has served as the Secretary and Treasurer since 2011. In addition, he serves on various board committees. “It has been particularly rewarding to serve on the committees that seek out and recognize UNM innovators, which not only recognizes them, but also facilitates UNM’s reputation as an innovating force in the state and national economy.”

Recent graduates from the UNM Anderson School of Management, Dharish Totiger and Mark Niederhaus, have co-founded a consulting company specializing in support for strategizing how to commercialize products and services. Dharish Totiger was a former student intern at UNM Rainforest Innovations and both him and Mark Niederhaus have been involved in various student pitch deck competitions and activities through the New Mexico Rainforest University Center.

Viewpoint Molecular Targeting has merged with medical technology company Isoray, Inc.

Isoray has pioneered advanced treatment applications and devices to deliver targeted internal radiation treatments for cancers throughout the body. Together with Viewpoint, they will work to advance cancer treatments using radiation, radiopharmaceuticals, and imaging technologies.

Monica Jojola serves as the President of Montech Inc. Established by Jojola in 2011, Montech is an award-winning, certified U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a), Woman Owned Small Business, and American Indian Corporation that offers professional and technical support services for federal and state clients and commercial customers. Under the leadership of Monica Jojola, Montech – a New Mexico Corporation has nation-wide Federal contracts and personnel in New Mexico; Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin; Ohio; and Oregon. A leader in business development, Jojola has more than 20 years of successful executive experience in federal contracting opportunities, including organizing manpower and dedicating resources for multi-million competitive federal contracts. Jojola’s company has been recognized for five consecutive years as a “New Mexico Fastest Growing Company,” most recently acknowledged in September of 2022. Jojola’s company received a “2021 Patriotic Employer Award” by the Office of the Secretary of Defense for employing U.S. Veterans and U.S. Reserve members (serving Air National Guard and Army National Guard).

Jojola’s other experience includes briefing commanding officers in the southwest to Assistant Secretaries for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA) in the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Ms. Jojola’s community service includes the Board of Trustees for the University of New Mexico; Team Kirtland Wingman; Board of Directors for WESST; and Board of Directors for the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico. Jojola is a graduate from The University of New Mexico with a degree in Political Science and Communication & Journalism. In 2017, Jojola co-authored “Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs of New Mexico: Surpassing Barriers and Stereotypes.” Monica Jojola is a proud member from the Pueblo of Isleta, New Mexico.

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Job creation across America faces numerous, challenging, contemporary issues. Today’s successful economic development professional must make intelligent decisions and provide unparalleled leadership as communities vie for new, quality jobs and economic growth.

The core curriculum of the Advanced Economic Development Leadership program is built on a foundation of exploring innovation, managing change, and surviving disruption in the unique field of economic development. We know each of you is facing new challenges unique to your city or region and shared by others in your field, and we have prepared topics to help you navigate your evolving role in uncertain times. Learn more below about the newest topics in curriculum and how AEDL is your professional development partner every step of the way.