Staff

Jessica Stern

Economic Development Director

Jessica Stern - Taos County Economic Development - DirectorJessica joined the Taos County staff as Economic Development Director in June 2023. In her role, she oversees the entire economic development portfolio for the unincorporated areas of Taos County. Her work focuses on equitable community economic development, small business and entrepreneurial support, and working in partnership to create the conditions for the sustainable and strategic growth of Taos County’s economy that first and foremost benefits local residents and the County’s cultural, natural, and multicultural heritage. Jessica has served on the Steering Committees for the Destination Stewardship Network, Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan, and Taos County Comprehensive Plan. She serves on the Board of Directors for Creative New Mexico.

Prior to joining the County, Jessica worked as Senior Manager, Local Arts and Business Partnerships for Americans for the Arts. During her tenure at Americans for the Arts, Jessica oversaw the strategic development and delivery of tools, services, and networking opportunities for local arts agency leaders across the country to expand their knowledge of the broad conditions that need to exist for arts integration into equitable economic development and strong arts and business partnerships. She created educational curricula, communications, national strategic partnerships, network services, and peer education to support local arts leaders to become equal and respected partners alongside their economic development and business counterparts. She developed and led Americans for the Arts' inclusive creative economy initiatives, primarily conducting and producing research and resources for local leaders to identify artistic and cultural assets for the purposes of equitable resource distribution and development.

Prior to joining Americans for the Arts, Jessica worked as the Membership & Resources Manager for the Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO), providing oversight of NAO's statewide membership program while curating nonprofit management best practice resources. She spent nearly five years working with Portland, Oregon's local Business Committee for the Arts (BCA), delivering programs that engaged BCA's 200+ business members in generative arts and culture partnerships. She also has served in development and fundraising roles with Metropolitan Youth Symphony and Literary Arts in Portland, Oregon; and has freelanced as an independent web designer and developer.

Jessica graduated from Portland State University with a Master's in Public Administration, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and from Lewis & Clark College with a BA in Ethnomusicology and French Studies. Aside from thinking about how to grow and develop equitable and justice-based economies, and how to celebrate all forms of human creative expression, Jessica enjoys hiking, travel, cooking and listening to music from all over the world.


Dylan Cox

Lodger's Tax CoordinatorHeadshot of Dylan Cox in front of green trees

Dylan is a young professional deeply committed to giving back to the community he calls home. As someone who grew up in Taos, he is honored to serve as the Lodgers’ Tax Coordinator for Taos County, where he will oversee the Lodgers’ Tax grant program, ensure compliance among lodging establishments and short-term rentals, and support the County’s mission to strengthen local economic growth. Through this role, Dylan hopes to use his creativity, experience, and skills to give back to the place that shaped him and to help optimize programs established to benefit the lives and experiences of community members and travelers visiting Taos.

After graduating from the College of Wooster in 2020, Dylan returned home to Taos, where he spent four years working on a local farm and as a grant writer. Before joining Taos County, he worked with Rio Lucero Farms, supporting their growth initiatives by assuming a versatile role, participating in all stages of organic crop production, farm maintenance, managing heavy equipment, constructing greenhouses, and helping secure grant funding for land revitalization efforts in El Prado.

As a grant writer, he collaborated with organizations based in agriculture, the New Mexico film industry, native workforce development, and renewable energy, including:

  • Alianza Agri-Cultura de Taos, where he helped secure funding for agricultural revitalization and farmer education workshops.
  • The Stagecoach Foundation, where he served as grant administrator, securing funding for free workforce development training in the film industry;
  • The Native Indian Youth Council, where he provided grant consulting services, supporting the program director with copyediting, grant writing, and facilitating training for members of the Native Workforce Partners; and
  • Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, where he assisted staff and partners in drafting two USDA letters of interest for the PACE and New ERA programs for battery and renewable energy expansion projects, including green hydrogen facilities.

The hands-on experience he gained working with people, the land, and community-driven organizations has shaped his passion for place-based work. Dylan hopes to continue deepening that passion by engaging with local partners and pursuing opportunities that create lasting social and economic impact in Taos County.

When he’s not in the office, you can probably find Dylan somewhere out in the wild, trail running, skiing, or backpacking like a true Taos local. Oh, and if you think that guy on stage in a local play at the Wildflower Playhouse looks familiar... yep, that’s him too.


Contessa Trujillo

Economic Recovery Corps FellowContessa.Trujillo-Headhot-v1a-web

Contessa is a dedicated advocate for cultural heritage and a leader in sustainable tourism in Taos, NM. With over twenty years of experience spanning arts, community development, and nonprofit sectors, Trujillo's work is driven by a passion for meaningful engagement and continuous learning.

Currently serving as an inaugural Economic Recovery Corps Fellow, Trujillo has initiated a Cultural and Outdoor Asset Mapping project in collaboration with Taos County. She is contracted through this program through fall 2026. Previously, she led the development of the Taos Destination Stewardship Plan, a partnership with the Town of Taos, Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), and George Washington University's International Institute of Tourism Studies. This initiative aimed to create a visitor strategy aligned with Taos' values and essence. Additionally, her multifaceted involvement with The Paseo Project has enriched Taos' vibrant arts scene, bringing joy and creativity to its diverse community while lending to the economic impact of the arts in Taos and enriching Taos' creative economy.

Trujillo's career reflects a personal journey rooted in Taos' cultural heritage, blending tradition with innovation. She navigates complex layers of identity, celebrating diversity and honoring her own mestizo roots. Beyond her professional endeavors, Trujillo is a passionate collector of experiences and arts, enriching the community through her diverse interests.

Contessa's multifaceted identity informs her holistic approach to community development, weaving a narrative that resonates deeply within Taos. As an artist, thinker, and community builder, she drives Taos towards a brighter future, fostering connections and uncovering the richness of our shared human experience.