Our Leadership
Rachel Butzke
Director of Operations & Production
Erik Maese
Founder & Director of Organizational Strategy
Erik Maese is the Founder and Director of Organizational Strategy of the Borderland Arts Foundation, where he leads the organization’s vision, structure, and long-term growth in service of the arts and the community.
At the heart of Erik’s work is a deep belief in the power of music and the arts to create meaning, connection, and shared experience. Raised within the world of classical music, Erik’s relationship to the arts has always extended beyond performance. He is passionate about creating spaces where music feels alive, accessible, and emotionally resonant, and where artists and audiences alike feel a sense of belonging.
Through Borderland Arts Foundation, Erik works to build programming that bridges tradition and innovation, honors artistic excellence, and reflects the cultural richness of the border region. His focus is on cultivating thoughtful performances, sustainable artistic ecosystems, and meaningful community partnerships that allow the arts to thrive beyond a single concert or season.
In his role as Director of Organizational Strategy, Erik provides leadership across operations, development, and community engagement, ensuring clarity, alignment, and accountability throughout the organization. He is especially committed to building structures that support artists, foster collaboration, and allow creative work to flourish without unnecessary barriers.
Erik’s work is guided by the belief that the arts are not a luxury, but a vital part of communal life. Through Borderland Arts Foundation, he seeks to create experiences that invite reflection, spark curiosity, and remind audiences of the beauty and depth that live art makes possible.
Cesar Camarena
Director of Development & Partnerships
Cesar Camarena is a professional cellist who has been an active musician in the Las Cruces/El Paso region for over 30 years.
He performs regularly as a core member of the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra and is currently the principal cellist for the New Horizons Symphony Orchestra in Las Cruces. He has performed with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, Juarez Symphony Orchestra, the El Paso Ballet Theatre Ballet Orchestra, El Paso Opera, and the Doña Ana Lyric Opera.
He has also had the honor and pleasure of performing in orchestras for pop artists and cultural icons like Yandel, Marco Antonio Solis, Mannheim Steamroller, Ana Gabriel, Cheyenne, Mariachi Cobre, Lee Greenwood, and Doc Severinsen among many others.
He is also the active cellist for his string quartet of almost 20 years, the Sónitus String Quartet.
Marketing & Digital Communications Manager
Rebecca Samaniego
Rebecca Samaniego founder and Artistic Director of The Amore Strings, Rebecca Samaniego is a dedicated cellist with over 14 years of performance experience. She performs regularly with the Roswell Symphony Orchestra and serves as a substitute cellist for both the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra and the Four Bridges Chamber Ensemble.
In addition to her performance career, Rebecca is deeply committed to music education. She founded Luna Cello Studio in 2023, named in honor of her grandmother, where she trains the next generation of cellists. She also teaches in schools throughout the Borderland region and arranges chamber ensemble music on commission.
Guided by a passion for artistic excellence and community connection, Rebecca strives to inspire others through her music both on and off the stage.
Rachel Butzke joined the Borderland Arts Foundation in 2023 as a board member focused on expanding regional music education. She later assumed the role of Director of Operations and Productions, where she supports educational initiatives and oversees the planning and execution of large-scale artistic productions. Her work emphasizes sustainability, community engagement, and the integration of educational outreach into the Foundation’s programming.
Rachel’s background is rooted in music performance, education, and arts administration. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Individualized Studies with a concentration in music performance in 2022 from New Mexico State University and founded the Southwest Academy of Music that same year, managing faculty, operations, and scheduling. She currently performs as a section violinist with the Roswell Symphony Orchestra and as a substitute with the West Texas Symphony and Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to her work in music, Rachel completed a minor in psychology and currently in applied behavior analysis as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting children with autism spectrum disorder. This experience informs her inclusive, people-centered leadership approach. She plans to pursue graduate study in Applied Behavior Analysis while continuing her role with the Borderland Arts Foundation.
Jesse Galindo
Director of Community Engagement & Patron Relations
Jesse Galindo is a professional violist based in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
He received a Bachelor in Individualized Studies with a focus in music from New Mexico State University in 2022. Jesse started playing violin as a freshmen in high school and eventually discovered his passion for viola halfway through his college career.
He now performs both violin and viola regularly with Roswell Symphony Orchestra, El Paso Ballet Theater and subs for West Texas Symphony Orchestra, Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra and El Paso Symphony Orchestra.
Aside from performing, Jesse is also a certified Reiki Practitioner and a jewelry maker. He enjoys creating and wire wrapping with various metals.
