La Nube announced today the formation of a new chief executive leadership team as the organization enters its next phase of growth. The transition reflects a shift from a traditional CEO model to a collaborative executive structure designed to strengthen shared accountability, thoughtful decision making, and long-term sustainability.

“La Nube was built through collaboration, and it’s fitting that its leadership reflects that same spirit,” said Allison Glass, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Each member of the leadership team has been involved with La Nube since before its opening, bringing deep institutional knowledge and a strong understanding of the organization’s mission, operations, and community impact.”

La Nube will be led by a three-person chief executive team working in close partnership with the Board of Directors, ensuring aligned leadership, clear accountability, and a shared focus on serving children, families, and the broader community.

Pictured above, left to right: Karla Salazar, Chief Advancement Officer; Mick Martinez, Chief Strategy Officer; Deana White, Chief Operating Officer.

Mick Martinez, Chief Strategy Officer

As Chief Strategy Officer, Mick Martinez is responsible for La Nube’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability. He leads organizational strategy, financial planning, earned revenue, business development, media relations, and marketing and communications. His role focuses on identifying and scaling growth opportunities, strengthening public trust, and ensuring La Nube remains accessible, inclusive, and deeply rooted in community impact.

Martinez brings continuity to the role, having previously served as La Nube’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications. He brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education marketing and communications, branding and design, and strategic planning. Prior to La Nube, he held senior leadership roles at The University of Texas at El Paso, including Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Marketing and Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications for Student Affairs. His work focused on expanding access, advancing recruitment, and supporting first-generation students through large-scale, mission-driven initiatives.

Karla Salazar, Chief Advancement Officer

As Chief Advancement Officer, Karla Salazar leads transformational and philanthropic giving, including major gifts, grants, annual giving, memberships, and donor communications. Her work centers on building long-term relationships with supporters and advocates who share a commitment to equity, innovation, and STEAM experiences for children and families.

Salazar brings deep institutional knowledge, having been with La Nube since 2017 and previously serving as Senior Vice President. She played a key role in transforming La Nube from an idea into a landmark institution, helping secure capital giving, philanthropic support and working alongside visionary leaders, architects, exhibit designers, educators, and civic partners to bring La Nube to life.

Deana White, Chief Operating Officer

As Chief Operating Officer, Deana White leads day-to-day operations with a people-first approach, ensuring La Nube runs smoothly and fosters exceptional hospitality.  She oversees STEAM educational programming, talent and culture, operations and guest experience teams, as well as facilities and exhibits.  She works to cultivate a team and environment that ignite imagination and inspire guests to discovery, create, and innovate!

Before becoming Chief Operating Officer, White served as Vice President of Learning and Guest Experience, shaping La Nube’s approach to learning and guest engagement. Prior to La Nube, she spent 17 years in public education as a teacher, instructional coach, and campus principal. She believes that through innovative teamwork, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to mission, La Nube will serve as both a cultural centerpiece for the El Paso region and a destination interactive experience for families, schools, and future leaders. Through a STEAM lens, she aims to lead projects that foster inclusion, ingenuity, and opportunities that transcend borders.  

To learn more about La Nube’s leadership team, visit la-nube.org/about/our-team.