Staff and Board of Directors - The Commons Grant County

Iris Nolasco, Director

Iris Nolasco is a versatile professional with expertise in Food Systems, Nonprofit Management, and Community Development. Her involvement in these areas spans over 20 years, including work in food service, providing technical assistance to marginalized farmers, and completing national service through both AmeriCorps and Peace Corps. She is dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion and has implemented DEI education and strategic planning for nonprofits. Iris is proud to have shared this work as a presenter at national convenings such as the EcoFarm and National Farm Viability Conferences.

Iris holds a Master’s degree in International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, where she concentrated on Business, Sustainability, and Development. Additionally, Iris earned a Nonprofit Management Certificate from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Western New Mexico University.

Born and raised in Silver City, NM, Iris recently returned to her hometown. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her majestic dog, Leo.

Sophie Klaus – Executive Assistant

Sophie Klaus was first introduced to The Commons as a part of a semester-long volunteer project in Spring of 2023. That following summer she worked as a summer associate and returned in December 2023 as the operations manager until October 2024 when she started a new position as the executive assistant. She is currently in her final semester at Western New Mexico University, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing as well as getting her associate’s degree in Graphic Design.

Jennifer Metzler, Senior Manager Alimento

Jennifer has been part of the team at The Commons since December 2018. She is currently working with schools in Grant County to assist in improving food security through the Alimento program. She also manages our garden program and Free Neighborhood Farm Stands which provide fresh produce for community members.
Prior to her work at The Commons her career centered on health, nutrition, fitness, working with youth, and community building through a hot meal program. Jennifer has spent 31 years of her life in our community and is passionate about serving and partnering with community members in order to see social and economic change. She received her Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western New Mexico University. Jennifer enjoys being surrounded by a garden at work as well as her home and lives with her family and pets in Silver City.

Maggie Billings, Operations Assistant

Maggie moved to Silver City from her hometown of Las Cruces in 2018 after graduating from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. Before joining The Commons in October of 2024, Maggie worked as a political field organizer, Certified Peer Support Worker, and Health Educator across Grant County. Maggie is passionate about supporting the continuing growth of Southwestern New Mexico through public health measures like food security and community support for mental, physical, and social health. Maggie lives with her husband and three wonderful, spoiled cats and enjoys painting, knitting, and spending time outside when not at work.