Staff & Board

Staff

Shel Neymark is founder and Executive Director of the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative, which seeks and provides resources to more than 60 libraries throughout the state. Also one of the founders of the Embudo Valley Library in Dixon, NM, Shel has worked with rural libraries for more than 35 years.

‍sheln@nmrurallibraryinitiative.org
Aspen Coriz-Romero is a fellow with the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative, partnering with rural and Tribal communities to elevate the vital role libraries play in learning, connection, and opportunity. Born and raised in Ojo Sarco, NM Aspen now resides in the community of Cordova, NM.

‍aspencr@nmrurallibraryinitiative.org

Board

Furman Kelley is originally from South Carolina and grew up in Boston.  He traveled extensively in business as an engineer for about 35 years before retiring to Placitas, New Mexico in March 2020.  Furman started volunteering at Placitas Community Library and eventually worked as a part-time library administrator for more than 5 years. As an NMRLI board member Furman has served as vice chair and treasurer.


furmank@nmrurallibraryinitiative.org
Melanie Ratliff was previously the Director of the Fort Sumner Public Library (2022-26). Born and raised in Fort Sumner, she has worked to add artistic, cultural, and vital programming to Ft. Sumner and De Baca County. After 25 years in radio, both on-air and as a senior marketing account executive, she’s applied her networking and promotional skills to the library world. She has a specific interest in rural libraries, and the growth and development of all New Mexico libraries.


‍melanier@nmrurallibraryinitiative.org
Lisa VeneKlasen is a strategist, popular educator, and movement-builder with more than three decades of experience building and leading organizations, networks, and community-led change in the U.S., Latin America and Southern Africa. Born and raised in New Mexico, Lisa brings a deep commitment to rural communities and public libraries as vital hubs for connection, resilience, democracy, and community power.

‍@nmrurallibraryinitiative.org
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