Found below are the statements for the candidates for the current Board of Directors election. Board members elected here will serve on the board for the years 2026-2027. Online voting will open on November 25th and will remain open through 11:59pm on December 10th.
Laurel Wilson
Folkmads is so dear to my heart. My parents, Richard and Karolyn Wilson, were an instrumental part of the Santa Fe dance community and I was raised within it. After my father’s passing in 2011 I took some space and had a child.
In September I attended the dance a the ABQ folk festival. I felt a part of my heart wake up and come alive again. I want to give back to this community that means so much to me, however I can. I look forward to having that opportunity. This community means so much to me and I want to make sure it continues to grow and thrive for a long time.
Thank you,
Laurel Wilson.
Jim Devore
I have been contra dancing for a long time. It is one of my joys. I would like to see our group thrive with lots of dancers. And, bring in more younger dancers.
Contra dancing continues to change. Dance choreography is different than when I started. I was resistant to gender free calling at first. Now I enjoy the challenge of dancing both roles.
If elected a board member, I would like to both honor change and respect the long tradition of our dance.
Lewis Land
I’m running for re-election to the board because contra dancing has been a big part of my life for almost four decades, and more than 20 of those years have been dancing in New Mexico. Being part of the board is my opportunity to give something back in exchange for everything Folkmads has given me over the last 23 years. The Folkmads dance community took a big hit during the pandemic, so my vision for the future is to grow our community and expand attendance at our dances.
Robin Gurule
I have served on the Board of Directors for FolkMADS for the last 8 years and I’ve been Treasurer during most of that time. It has taken me most of that time to really understand all of those duties, but thanks to Nancy Ford’s patience, I think I understand most of it now! I would like the opportunity to continue to serve the BOD as Treasurer. In addition, I book the bands for the Santa Fe dances, I dance in SF whenever possible, and I play piano in the SF Megaband and other local bands.