Power Beneath Our Feet: Geothermal Energy in New Mexico

As the Director of the Energy Conservation and Division, Rebecca “Puck” Stair oversees dozens of grant, loan, and other funds and programs to advance New Mexico’s transition to a renewable future. She came to EMNRD after nearly two decades in the New Mexico film industry, where she worked as a producer and location manager on numerous films, television shows, commercials and other media projects, including podcasts and conferences for the Franciscan monk Father Richard Rohr. For two years, Stair served as president of the local film crew union.
In 2020, she ran for State Senate, and subsequently served as a policy analyst for our House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee. Stair graduated Cum Laude from Amherst College with a BA in English Literature, and did some graduate study in Linguistics at Georgetown University. On all the projects she has spearheaded, she loves building great teams and championing clean-energy practices.

Shari Kelley is a senior research scientist at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, a research division of New Mexico Tech, where she has served for over 25 years. A leading expert in geothermal energy and geophysics, Shari has managed statewide programs while producing detailed geologic maps of volcanic regions across New Mexico.

Her work has been instrumental in shaping energy policy and education in the state. In 2023 and 2024, she served as an expert witness during key New Mexico Legislative sessions, contributing to the successful passage of House Bill 91, which created funding pathways for geothermal development through grants and tax incentives. Shari also secured a state appropriation to launch a new geothermal education and research center at the Bureau, further anchoring New Mexico’s leadership in clean energy innovation.Nationally, Shari contributes to the Department of Energy’s GEODE project, which focuses on transferring oil and gas data to strengthen geothermal energy development. Her scientific leadership, policy engagement, and dedication to sustainability position her as a vital force in the transition to renewable energy. Shari’s career reflects a deep commitment to bridging science, public policy, and education for the benefit of New Mexico and beyond.

Bruce Kohrn is a purpose-driven leader with deep expertise in driving strategic initiatives that advance climate protection, environmental sustainability, and innovation. With a career spanning cross-functional leadership and global engagement, Bruce has consistently mobilized diverse stakeholders, partners, and clients around impactful solutions that generate long-term value.

His professional journey is defined by a strong commitment to collaboration and systems-level thinking. Bruce has led the development and launch of innovative technologies, products, and projects by fostering inclusive processes and building dynamic partnerships across sectors. His ability to navigate complex challenges and build momentum is grounded in his steady leadership, persuasive communication, and ability to align vision with execution.

Bruce brings a rare combination of strategic clarity and operational discipline, having successfully launched initiatives from the ground up, guided high-performing global teams, and delivered results aligned with business and sustainability goals. His influence extends beyond internal operations to shaping broader industry conversations about the future of the environment and climate action.

A firm believer in the power of innovation and aligned collaboration, Bruce continues to champion initiatives that not only meet today’s pressing needs but also lay the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Roger Fragua (Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico) has devoted his career to the advancement of American Indian communities. He serves as Executive Director of the Flower Hill Institute, a Native-led nonprofit focused on cultural preservation, Indigenous youth education in STEM, climate resiliency, and agriculture. Under Roger’s leadership, Flower Hill has become a beacon of innovation and inspiration across Indian Country. Roger is also President of Cota Holdings, LLC, which promotes Tribal economic and community development in energy and telecommunications. His work includes partnerships with energy companies and direct engagement in Tribal infrastructure projects.

Previously, Roger served as Deputy Director of the Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT), where he helped reshape federal-Tribal relations regarding natural resources, taxation, and environmental regulation. Before CERT, he worked at Enron Corporation, pioneering new business models to support. Tribal energy development in gas, electricity, wind, and water. Roger’s commitment is grounded in his service as Tribal Administrator for the Pueblo of Jemez and work with national organizations like the Western Governors’ Association and National Tribal EnvironmentalCouncil. He brings a unique blend of corporate insight and cultural stewardship.

Ron Dimon is a strategist, facilitator, and author with more than 30 years of experience advising leaders in business, government, and the nonprofit sector. He specializes in helping organizations make smart decisions in complex, rapidly changing environments—work that has taken him from global corporations like Deloitte and Google to civic and community organizations in youth sports, universities, and social start-ups.

Ron has deep experience moderating high-stakes panels and dialogues on topics ranging from sustainable finance to responsible entrepreneurship. While not a geothermal scientist himself, he brings a critical outsider’s lens—asking the questions curious, concerned citizens want answered and connecting technical insights to everyday impact. He believes in the power of public dialogue to spark action, especially at the intersection of innovation, environment, and economic development.

Originally from Canada, Ron lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and teaches social entrepreneurship at UNM’s Center for Responsible Entrepreneurship. He is the author of Connected Planning and Enterprise Performance Management Done Right (John Wiley & Sons).