505-766-9545
2401 12th Street NW • Albuquerque, NM 87104 • Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Campus
Our Team
Roberta Begaye
Executive Director
Roberta Begaye serves as the acting Executive Director of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico, bringing a rich background rooted in her Diné heritage and extensive experience in the arts and community advocacy. Born in Fort Defiance and raised in Kayenta, Arizona, Roberta is Bitterwater-clan (Tódích’íi’nii), born for the Zuni-Edgewater clan (Naasht’ézhi Tábaahá). A self-taught visual artist now based in Albuquerque, Roberta spent 26 years in Fire/EMS service before fully dedicating herself to her creative work. Her artistic practice draws inspiration from the textile traditions of her grandparents and the landscapes of the Navajo Nation—“weaving” imagery that reflects prayer, identity, and place. At AICCNM, Roberta advocates for Native economic opportunity, supporting business development through creative entrepreneurship and cultural enterprise. Her voice brings a unique intersection of heritage, innovation, and service to the Chamber’s mission of advancing business growth across New Mexico.
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Jamerson Ray Tafoya
Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors
Jamerson Ray Tafoya is an experienced leader in Tribal governance, policy, and economic development. He currently serves as Tribal Administrator for the Pueblo of San Felipe, overseeing programs and initiatives that strengthen community growth and self-sufficiency. Ray previously served as Director of Policy & Government Relations for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, where he helped shape state–tribal policies focused on infrastructure, business development, and intergovernmental collaboration. His private-sector experience includes leadership roles with Tribal Indemnity LLC and AmerInd, advancing insurance and risk management solutions for Native communities. With a career spanning both public and private sectors, Ray is committed to building sustainable tribal economies and empowering Native enterprises across New Mexico.
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Nicole Johnny
Treasurer of the Board of Directors
As an emerging fund manager, I’m working to launch a fund dedicated to creating positive social and environmental outcomes for Indigenous communities. I bring over 12 years of combined experience in impact investing, portfolio management, business valuations, and Tribal economic development—and I’m driven by a deep passion for advancing Indigenous excellence through capital. I also contribute to the governance and strategic direction of several for-profit and non-profit organizations aligned with my mission and values, including the Changing Woman Initiative, WESST, Diné Development Corporation, and a non-profit I co-founded with fellow former Miss Indian New Mexico titleholders. Earlier in my career, I studied the macroeconomics of developing nations at the University of Oxford and interned with former U.S. Senator Tom Udall (NM) and St. James’s Place in London, gaining experience in policy and private wealth management. Above all, I’m unapologetically Diné and proud to have grown up in my home community on the Navajo Nation—it’s where I learned the skills and values that continue to guide my work today.
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Ervina Castillo
Secretary of the Board of Directors
An adaptable and results-oriented project professional with a proven track record of success in Management, Leadership, policy analysis/administration, and communications. A proven history of building relationships, meeting timelines, and collaborating effectively across all levels to achieve goals. Possesses a strong ability to identify opportunities for improvement, mitigate risks, develop effective policies, meet stakeholder expectations, manage teams, and drive continuous performance improvement as an essential part of the overall Budgeting process.
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Michelle Justice
Board Member
Personnel Security Consultants, Inc. began as an idea that I could to my part in protecting my community. Today, we offer training programs, on-line background screening, full employee background investigations, adjudication services, consulting services and we serve as an Authorized Recipient between the FBI and Tribes and Tribal Programs throughout the United States.
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Dan Droeg
Board Member
Dan Droeg has been an Investment Advisor Representative for more than 30 years and has served as President and CEO of Droeg Financial Services, Inc. since 1996. A proud member of the Board of Directors of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico since 2019, Dan collaborates with fellow business leaders to help Native Tribes strengthen and grow their members’ small businesses. At Droeg Financial Services, a family-owned and operated firm, Dan develops innovative, fully customized financial plans for individuals and business owners alike. His team specializes in unique savings, retirement, and estate planning strategies designed to help clients minimize the effects of market volatility and achieve long-term financial confidence.
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Dar Johnson
Board Member
Dar Johnson brings over 58 years of experience in both the private sector and government service, including more than 40 years in senior leadership roles. His extensive career includes positions such as Program and Project Manager, Deputy Division Director, Division Director, Director of Engineering, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President of Business Operations and Development. Throughout his career, Dar has been responsible for driving nationwide growth, securing new clients, improving operational performance, and increasing profitability. His expertise includes business development, proposal and capture management, cost containment, customer relations, staffing, and the development of organizational policies and procedures. Dar is widely recognized for his ability to turn around underperforming operations, achieve measurable results, and sustain long-term success across diverse industries.​