Karla Hamel Niemeier
Karla was born and raised in Abilene, Texas, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education/Psychology from Abilene Christian University. A little over 20 years ago, Karla moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where she fell in love with the warmer weather and the small town. Loving the town so much, she successfully pursued a position as the Executive Director of Carlsbad MainStreet, a program supported by National Main Street America, which is a 501(c)(3) focusing on revitalizing rural communities across America. While at Carlsbad MainStreet, she brought a dwindling program back to life, added a renewed spirit not only downtown but throughout the community. In the summer of 2020, Karla was heartbroken to see the once hopping downtown no longer hopping because of COVID. She felt her work at MainStreet was done, and it was time to pursue other opportunities. Karla joined the CEHMM team as their Public Relations Manager. Karla and her husband Bill have five grown children and are proud to be KK and Poppy to their two beautiful grandchildren.
Judith Waters
Ward 3’s Judith Waters says she is proud to be serving as a member of Carlsbad City Council for the third time.
Judi Waters has been the Church Secretary/Office Manager of First United Methodist Church of Carlsbad for more than 30 years. She is the founder and president of Class Act of Carlsbad, and organization committed to saving lives by offering a safe alternative to private parties on graduation night. She was awarded the A.J. Crawford Humanitarian Award for excellence and compassion in community service for this effort.
Judi was first appointed to Carlsbad City Council in 2002. She served two years on the appointment and was then elected to serve another four years. After a two-year break, she served another four-year term beginning in 2010. She then took another break and was re-elected in 2018. She has also previously served as Chairman of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Board and remains on the Chamber’s Executive Board.
In 2003, Judi was honored as Citizen of the Year through a community panel. In May 2009, she received the prestigious Governor’s Award for Outstanding New Mexico Women. Judi was born and raised in El Paso, where she met and married Jim Waters. They have two sons, John and James, and eight grandchildren. Judi says she enjoys the workings of city government and is dedicated to Carlsbad and its citizens.