Management Team
Juan Rael
Public Works Director
juan.rael@lacnm.us
Juan Rael, is the Public Works Director and in that role provides support to all of Public Works. He earned his Civil Engineering degree from New Mexico State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer. Juan began his career in Southern California working for a private engineering firm on projects in Los Angeles and Orange County. Upon returning to New Mexico, Juan worked as Project Engineer for an engineering firm doing work for local municipalities and LANL. Prior to joining the County, Juan worked for the New Mexico Department of Transportation in both the design and construction divisions.
Eric Martinez
Deputy Public Works Director
eric.martinez@lacnm.us
Eric Martinez serves as the Deputy Public Works Director overseeing various Divisions within the Public Works Department. For just over seven years, Eric served as the County Engineer managing the County's Engineering & Project Management Division. Prior to joining the County in 2015, Eric was employed by the City of Santa Fe for 11 years and New Mexico Department of Transportation for 8 years serving in various engineering and management capacities. Eric earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from New Mexico State University and is a licensed New Mexico Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager. Eric Martinez Deputy Public Works Director eric.martinez@lacnm.us joining the County in 2015, Eric was employed by the City of Santa Fe for 11 years and New Mexico Department of Transportation for 8 years serving in various engineering and management capacities. Eric earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from New Mexico State University and is a licensed New Mexico Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager.
Vacant
Airport Manager
Bob Feagans
Facilities Service Manager
robert.feagans@lacnm.us
Bob Feagans serves as the Custodial Division Manager. Bob holds a Registered Building Service Manager Certification and attended Ohio State University and Sinclair College. Prior to working for the County, Bob worked in the Building Service Contractors Field for 18 years as a Regional Manager and VP of Operations. Bob's office is located at Fuller Lodge.
Eric Ulibarri
County Engineer
eric.ulibarri@lacnm.us
Eric Ulibarri serves as the County Engineer and Engineering Division Manager. Eric earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering from the University of New Mexico and is a licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager. Eric brings a broad experience in local, state, and federal government. After graduation from UNM, Eric worked for 7 years with the New Mexico Department of Transportation in multiple engineering capacities. Following his time at NMDOT, Eric spent 2 years working as an engineer with the City of Santa Fe, and 3 years working at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in both design and construction. Prior to serving as County Engineer, Eric worked as the Senior Engineer for Public Works, overseeing multiple engineering and construction projects.
Jason Romero
County Surveyor
jason.romero@lacnm.us
Jason Romero serves as the County Surveyor. He earned his Survey Engineering Degree from New Mexico State University in 2004 and has been a licensed Land Surveyor since 2007. Prior to joining the County, Jason worked at the Bureau of Land Management as a Cadastral Surveyor and Realty Specialist.
Armando Gabaldon
Environmental Services Manager
armando.gabaldon@lacnm.us
Armando Gabaldon serves as Environmental Services Division Manager. Prior to joining the County, Armando was employed by the City of Santa Fe for 15 years in various operations and supervisory capacities. Armando served as Environmental Service Supervisor for 5 years prior to his promotion.
Pete Mondragon
Fleet Manager
pete.mondragon@lacnm.us
Pete Mondragon services as the Fleet Division Manager. Pete is a native New Mexican, born and raised in Truchas NM. Pete joined the County as a Mechanic II in 2009, moving up the Fleet Shop Foremen, and becoming Fleet Manager in 2017. Prior to that, Pete was employed as the Patrol Assistant Supervisor for four years with the NMDOT. Pete also worked in a full-time position as a Lead Technician / Inspector for the New Mexico Army National Guard (NMANG) for 10 years. Pete serviced in various NMANG units ranging from Air Defense, Transportation, and General Support Maintenance. Pete's last position with NMANG was Platoon Sgt. for the Service and Lift Section, this consisted of a full mobile machine shop, canvas repair, vehicle recovery, and a crane section. Pete was in charge of over 100 pieces of specialty equipment, vehicles, and tools with on hand inventory of $4.1 million.
James Barela
Transit Manager
james.barela@lacnm.us
James Barela serves as the Transit Manager. In January of 2023 James was promoted to Transit Manager and is responsible for managing transit operations within the County. James is a member of the New Mexico Transit Association and has certified experience through the Transportation Safety Institute and the National Transit Institute. He’s been with Los Alamos County for more than 14 years.
Daniel Blea
Traffic & Streets Manager
daniel.blea@lacnm.us
Daniel Blea serves as the Traffic & Streets Manager and responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Division, this includes traffic operations, including maintenance of traffic signals, school flashers, site distance, streetlights, signs, traffic safety, and pavement markings, potholes, concrete curb and gutter, drive-pads, sidewalk repair, and right-of-way vegetation control. A native of New Mexico, Daniel has over 28 years' experience and has served Los Alamos County for 19 years. Prior to his work with Los Alamos County, Daniel began his career in 1994 with INCA Construction working as an equipment operator. In 1997 he joined NMDOT and spent 5 years in highway maintenance. Daniel has worked his way through the ranks to become manager.
Sara Rhoton
Capital Projects & Facilities Division Manager
sara.rhoton@lacnm.us
Sara Rhoton serves as the Capital Projects & Facilities Division Manager. Sara's office is at the Pajarito Cliffs Site, 101 Camino Entrada, Building 1, Room 106. Sara obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from New Mexico State University, holds a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and is a licensed professional engineer. Sara brings a breath of experience from the private and academic sectors, and state and local government. With over 25 years of professional work, Sara began her career with a private engineering firm in southern New Mexico working on planning, design, and construction of capital projects and supporting operations & maintenance functions. After completing her master's degree, Sara worked as a water resource specialist, associate engineer, research engineer, and engineer with New Mexico state agencies, private engineering firms and academics also focused on planning, design, construction, and operations. Prior to serving as Capital Projects & Facilities Manager, Sara worked as a project manager overseeing projects such as the county-wide Facility Condition Assessment along with planning efforts for the North Mesa and White Rock Gyms, to name a few.