Animal Humane New Mexico has elected its slate of officers for 2012 and added three new directors to its board. Ben Benjamin, a retired attorney and teacher, has been elected president; Michelle Franks, chief financial officer for Studio Southwest Architects, Inc., will become vice president; Krik Mielke, a manager at Atkinson & Co., returns for a third term as treasurer, and Jose Blanton, an attorney for the Rodey Law Firm, will serve as secretary.

Newly elected board members include Billy Gupton, a financial adviser for Merrill Lynch, Camilla Serrano, a wealth consultant at New Mexico Bank & Trust, and Norm Shrout, co-owner of Long Leash On Life.

Returning board members include: Jean Bernstein, Flying Star Cafes and Satellite Coffee; Marci Blaze, Four Alarm Marketing; Chip Dennedy, REDW; Annie Gardener, ABQ Life Coaching for Change; Tim Nichols, PNM Resources; Marti Partridge, Grubb & Ellis New Mexico; Susan Shires; Kenneth Thompson, UNM Cancer Center and Emily Walker, Albuquerque Cat Clinic.

Eleanor D. Stevens has been named to the Grinnell College Deans List for the fall semester 2011. Stevens, who is an undeclared major, is one of 302 students honored for outstanding academic achievement by Grinnell College. To make the Deans List, students must have a grade point average of 3.75 or above. Stevens is the daughter of David A. and Sarah D. Stevens of Santa Fe.

Grinnell College is a nationally recognized, private, four-year, liberal arts college in Grinnell, Iowa. Founded in 1846, Grinnell enrolls 1,600 students from all 50 states and from as many international countries in more than 26 major fields, interdisciplinary concentrations and pre-professional programs.

Jeannette Baca, residential service coordinator for Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families Inc., has received the 2011 Gina Orona Ruiz Advocate of the Year Award, presented by New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence at their annual conference.

This award is given to the person who has exemplified the spirit of advocacy in the community and recognizes Baca's commitment to advocacy for victims of violence in the home. Baca also was selected to attend the Second World Conference of Women's Shelters -- a global conference held this year in Washington, D.C. -- along with delegates, advocates, grass-roots activists, dignitaries and heads of state, speakers, performers and changemakers from around the world who work to end violence against women, build connections worldwide, provide training, share best practices and support global, regional, national and local efforts to enhance safety, services and justice for survivors of domestic violence.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Kiersten V. Dickens graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Dickens is a 2008 graduate of Escondido Charter High School in California. She is the daughter of Marina Rundell of Santa Fe.