Mayor Keller and First Lady Kistin Keller Recognize Albuquerque’s Outstanding Volunteers

June 23, 2023

Today, Mayor Tim Keller, First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller, and the One ABQ Volunteers Advisory Board hosted the eighth annual Mayor’s Day of Volunteer Recognition. The event brought together community members and partners to celebrate individual volunteers and volunteer groups whose impact has helped to strengthen and support Albuquerque. These volunteers ran clothing drives, provided quality time as literacy tutors, support for special needs community, and even decades-long support of youth volunteering at Open Space locations.

“Today’s event, and the people we recognized, are a powerful reminder of the tradition of service that runs deep in our community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The stories of these dedicated volunteers and groups showcase ‘the power of us,’ and shine a light on what’s possible when we come together as one community to work toward a safer, more inclusive Albuquerque.”

“Our city is full of individuals and groups whose tireless service is making Albuquerque a better place for everyone who calls it home,” said First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller. “It’s so important that we take time to recognize them, celebrate their work, and learn from them so that we can find our own way to serve our community.”

This year’s award recipients are:

• National Service Group: AmeriCorps VAMOS Program at Mandy’s Farm;
• Lifetime Achievement: David Tichnell;
• Volunteer Group: Oasis Intergenerational Tutors;
• Youth Volunteer: Anwi Fomukong;
• Corporate Volunteer Group: Optum NM Inclusion, Diversity, and Health Equity Board;
• Volunteer of the Year: Kim Kerschen.

"It is a joy to celebrate and lift up volunteers who dedicate their time to their community,” said Michelle Montoya, Chair of the Albuquerque Volunteers Advisory Board. “The tradition of Mayor’s Day continues to gather these awardees and our volunteer-based organizations together in a way that helps us all move forward with hope and new ideas for our own service."

“The Serve NM Commission is happy to have recognized one of our AmeriCorps programs this year,” said David Chené, Serve NM Executive Director. “While National Service as a whole reflects the values of the country, we feel that engagement and recognition at the local level, seen here today, reflects the ability of Albuquerque’s direct-impact organizations to improve the lives of individuals.”