Meet our team
Tom Ragan
Board President
With over 15 years in the industry, Tom has a rich background of experience delivering authentic, approachable, and attuned documentary-style filmmaking in both short form and feature length productions. Tom has produced, filmed & edited content for companies such as USA Today, NFL Player Engagement, Warrior Lacrosse, and UN Women. After 10 years in NYC, he now calls Albuquerque home where he runs The Studio at WESST. Since starting at the Studio in October of 2021, Tom has directed and produced an abundance of commercials for local businesses as well as winning a Telly Award for the WESST 2023 ad campaign.
Julian Gowdy
Board Treasurer
Julian Gowdy was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he resides. His first feature film, The Devil’s Tongue, was called a "riveting directorial debut that feels original, authentic, and unfiltered" and that it "stands out as a fresh example of true independent filmmaking from a fresh new voice." His second film, A Time Machine Story, starring Christopher Kriesa will be released in 2025. He co-directed an award-winning short documentary about a drag show in Madrid, NM titled The He She Bang that is currently on the festival circuit.
Bobby Hockaday
Board Secretary
Robert F. Hockaday is a digital filmmaker and actor from Los Alamos, New Mexico. He has a degree in Digital Filmmaking/Production from Eastern New Mexico University from which he graduated in 2013. Based in Tucumcari he serves as the Executive director of Film Tucumcari, a non-profit on a mission to revitalize Tucumcari and Quay County’s economy through the magic of media production. He is a staunch supporter and believer in the economic power of film and media for the economy and wellbeing of those involved in it, and the mission of the New Mexico Film Foundation.
Leslie Hall
Board Member
Leslie studied theatre, film and psychology at the University of Texas, The Strasberg Institute, NYU and the New School for Social Research. She has worked in New York, Los Angeles and New Mexico in theater, TV, film and advertising, participating in all aspect of production from casting to post with a focus in Art Direction. Her collaborations and clients include Intar Theatre, Murray Lerner Films, NBC and Scott Free Productions. Leslie now lives in New Mexico and is happy to bring her experience and enthusiasm to the New Mexico Film Foundation.
Allan Gaitirira
Board Member
Allan Gaitirira is a trilingual Producer, Unit Production Manager (UPM), Post Production Supervisor, and Writer. He has over 12 years of extensive film/television production experience. His strengths include hiring qualified film crew, creating/managing budgets, and maximizing local tax rebates/incentives. Allan is a team player and works well under pressure.
He and his wife, Diana Gaitirira, created an independent production company called Cheza Jouer Films in 2010. Their aim is to create riveting films, television shows, and documentaries from a unique perspective that is rarely seen in mainstream media. Since then, his team has produced a combination of pilot pitches, award-winning short films, PSAs, and currently have a few feature films and television shows in development.
Tabitha McDonald
Board Member
Tabitha McDonald is a producer working across narrative and documentary film, as well as commercial projects. She has produced three narrative feature films and a feature documentary, bringing a strong creative vision and logistical expertise to each project. She is also the co-founder and director of the Dark Red Film Festival, a platform dedicated to showcasing bold and innovative voices in independent horror.
Kimberly Stoppel
Board Member
Kimberly is an aerial cinematographer, video editor, and director, shaping New Mexico’s film industry through her work at Unlimited Drone Solutions. Her journey accelerated at the Public Academy for Performing Arts, leading to work on Breaking Bad, the 48 Hour Film Project, and local music videos. After a career in lighting for music festivals, major art shows, and New Mexico tourism, she found her way into aviation, ultimately returning to filmmaking by founding UDS.
Now, as a board member of the New Mexico Film Foundation, she is committed to supporting the growth of the local film community, helping filmmakers access resources, and advocating for innovative visual storytelling in the state.
Royd McCargish
Advisory Board
Royd McCargish is a life-long resident of New Mexico and considers himself fortunate to be able to showcase its beauty.
Two feature films that he Executive Produced over the last couple of years are currently available on Amazon Prime.
He has a real passion for visual story telling. Whether it is helping out with locations, crafty, set construction, producing, basically whatever needs to be done, you can find him helping indie filmmakers bring their story to life.
Julius Roanhorse
Advisory Board
As the Community Engagement Specialist for the Native Professional Advancement Center, Julius brings his experience in film and workforce development to life by creating opportunities for it's participants through community events, education, skills training, and partnerships with organizations alike.
Julius has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Film Production from Central New Mexico Community College.
Chad Quick
Advisory Board
Born and raised in Montana, Chad studied at The Columbus College of Art & Design and The Art Institute of Dallas. He began his career in 1998 overseeing the art department at Old Tucson Studios and later worked as Design Manager for Six Flags America. In 2020, he became General Manager of Roswell Film Studios while continuing his work as a Production Designer and Producer in film and television. Chad is also a member of the Art Directors Guild (ADG) Local #800 and has designed concert sets for major artists like Kenny Rogers and MC Hammer.
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Dan Region
Advisory Board
Dan is the owner and director of operations of Blue Mesa Productions. Blue Mesa offers professional voice/overs and photography. Dan is also the owner of Region's Photos, a photography studio specializing in Fine Art Portraits, Actor Headshots, Commercial Photography and landscapes. As a theater, film & television actor in New York City, Dan trained with John Strasberg and Geraldine Page and is the founding member of the Pearl Theater Company. Dan has also appeared in over 100 TV commercials.
Dirk Norris
Emeritus Board Member
After working for the New Mexico State Film Office as the Outreach Programs Manager, Dirk created the New Mexico Film Foundation and served as the Executive Director until his retirement in 2020. During his time with the Foundation, he created a number of programs designed to promote and support New Mexico independent filmmakers. He continues to be interested in the New Mexico film community and is proud to serve as an Honorary Board Member of the New Mexico Film Foundation.