Executive Leadership
Robert Chavez
CEO
Robert Chavez steps into the role as CEO after years serving as the Chief Operations Officer (COO). Mr. Chavez’ history with YDI began when he was a 14-year-old summer youth employee. Today, he oversees all of YDI and works closely with each VP, engages each department, and listens to every employee to ensure the success of YDI and keep our promise of partnering with every family.
He is the former COO of the New Mexico State Board of Nursing, and former interim co-division director for the New Mexico Human Services Department’s Behavioral Health Services Division, as well as former Deputy Director for the Income Support Division. Chavez holds an MA and BS degrees from the University of Phoenix.
Tanya Brown
CFO
Tanya Brown is the Chief Financial Officer for YDI. Tanya is a certified public accountant with 24 years of experience in accounting and financial analytics, the majority of which has been within healthcare and non-profit organizations. She is a graduate of the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. As an Albuquerque native, Tanya’s commitment to the children and families of New Mexico motivates her efforts each day.
Donna Martinez
VP of Human Resources
Donna Martinez is the Vice President of Human Resources for the agency and has been with YDI for 42 years. Ms. Martinez and her professional staff are responsible for all personnel matters for the more than five hundred professional employees of YDI. Ms. Martinez has been employed with YDI for thirty three years and is a leading expert in the field of Human Resources. Ms. Martinez graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelors degree in 2000.
Manuel Casias
VP of Development and Annual Giving
Manuel Casias is the VP of Development and Annual Giving with Youth Development Inc. He has more than 30 years of experience in operations, strategic planning, fiscal management, fund/business development. Casias has a bachelor’s degree from the College of Santa Fe; a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix; and also has a master’s degree in divinity from Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.
Diana Lopez
VP of Prevention, Intervention, and Behavioral Health
Diana has over 36 years of direct service and senior management experience in non-profit organizations ranging in scope from start-up to $5.2M per year supervising programs and providing comprehensive social service and mental health care for children, youth, and families. Diana holds a Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of New Mexico and holds licensure as an LPCC from the State of New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board.
Debra Baca
VP of Early Childhood Education
Debra has an M.A. in Business Administration and over 36 years of direct services and senior management experience with YDI. Debra oversees and administers $16 million annually. She provides leadership and supervision for 350 staff members, whose primary focus is to implement high quality education for young children and self sufficiency for families.
Concha Cordova
VP of Education, Employment, and Training
Concha has 22 years experience with direct service and senior management of youth workforce development, dropout prevention, education, and violence prevention programs and manages 10 programs across Central New Mexico with an overall budget of $5 million and 45 staff. Starting her career at YDI in direct services, Concha understands the challenges facing our youth and families in education and employment and works to design and implement effective programming to provide the assistance and resources youth and families need to ensure successful outcomes. Concha has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology from the University of New Mexico.
Jack Siamu
Co-Vice President Prevention Intervention and Behavioral Health
Mr. Jack Siamu began his tenure with YDI as Program Coordinator in 1993. In that role he supervised seven (7) low-income housing developments and assisted a staff of ten in providing services to the residents of these programs. In 2001 he assumed directorship of the YDI Health and Training programs. He was then promoted to Deputy Director in 2006 and began working with the division’s Vice President in program oversight, legislative issues, and grant writing. In 2016 he became Senior Associate Director. YDI’s CEO has now promoted Mr. Siamu to Vice President of the Prevention, Intervention and Behavioral Health Division to assist the existing Vice President as the division has grown exponentially over the past 5 years. Mr. Siamu holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice and is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Mr. Siamu excels in his work on budgetary matters and in his relationships with funders. As Co-Vice President of PIBH he oversees twenty-three programs and 126 staff. We congratulate Mr. Siamu on his promotion and continue to expect wonderful things from him!
