City Council Ward 3

City Council Members: Ward 3

Karla Niemeier

Karla was born and raised in Abilene, Texas, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University. She fell in love with Carlsbad during her teenage years when she visited to spend time with family.


As an adult, Karla moved to New London, Connecticut, where she adapted to the colder climate and worked at an orthodontic office. She enjoyed the small-town festivals and the beach, but despite her fondness for Connecticut and the friendships she made, she decided it was too far from her family. She relocated to Amarillo, Texas, where her two children, Parker and Hollyann, were born. During this time, Karla was a stay-at-home mom and also worked at her church's Mother’s Day Out program, teaching the two-year-old class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Sunday School for children from birth to four years old.


In 1998, Karla moved to Carlsbad to be closer to the family she cherished from her teenage years. She continued as a stay-at-home mom while teaching the two-year-old class at First United Methodist Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Sunday School at Sunset Church of Christ.


As her children entered school, Karla began to focus more on her career while continuing her community involvement. She volunteered on the boards of her children’s Little League team, high school swim team and choir booster club. This involvement allowed her to stay deeply connected to her children’s activities and contribute to their extracurricular development.


Karla brings over 20 years of experience in public relations, with roles in workforce development, economic development, and public and government affairs. She currently serves as the Director of Development and Communications at CARC Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities lead active and productive lives.


In addition to her professional role, Karla is the immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Carlsbad, volunteers for Inspired by Science, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs committee.


In her leisure time, Karla enjoys riding her scooter around town with her husband Bill, boating on the Pecos River with him, and paddle boarding with friends and family. You can often find her at various local events promoting Carlsbad and its community.

Mary Garwood

Mary Garwood holds a unique dual role as both a City Councilor and a City employee. For nine years, she has held the position of Beautification Coordinator, overseeing the Keep Carlsbad Beautiful program. Mary’s dad, Bill, moved their family to Carlsbad when she was in 3rd grade in 1990. He then began a 22-year career as an elevator mechanic at Carlsbad Caverns, and southeast New Mexico quickly became home. Mary holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from NM State University, a Sustainable Resource Management Certification from Penn State Altoona and NM Recycling Coalition, and a Recycling Facility Operations Certification with the NM Environment Department for 16 years. Mary previously supervised Carlsbad’s CARC, Inc. recycling centers, Rainbow Recycling and Document Destruction Services, from 2007 to 2015. She is one of the two Carlsbad City Councilors serving Ward 3 and certainly appreciates the opportunity to serve in this capacity. Mary is currently a member of the State of NM Clean & Beautiful Advisory Committee, Vice President of the Carlsbad Main Street Board, a member of the Pearl of the Pecos ACD Committee, Vice President of the Rotary Club, and Executive Treasurer of the Carlsbad Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition. Mary enjoys creating new partnerships and promoting beautification efforts throughout the community wherever she can. Mary has two children, Clarissa and Reazon, and enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with friends and family.

Share by: