JoAnn Melchor

JoAnn Melchor is from Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico. Building on a lifelong career in philanthropic and nonprofit management, Melchor will oversee First Nations’ revenue development strategy, including individual giving and corporate and foundation relations. The hiring of Melchor coincides with the organization’s strategic growth that includes the purchase of a new Albuquerque office, strengthening its presence in New Mexico.

Melchor comes to First Nations from her previous position as president and CEO of the New Mexico Foundation in Santa Fe, where she directed programs, services, and activities to foster the foundation’s ability to steward community resources, build partnerships, and develop transformative opportunities for people throughout New Mexico. During her tenure, Melchor established the Native American Relief Fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund transformed into the Native American Recovery Fund Zone Grant, which continues to address long-term recovery efforts in New Mexico’s Native American communities. Before this position, Melchor served as the Director of Advancement for Keres Children’s Learning Center in Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, a long-time community partner of First Nations.