Our Team
Carla Sonntag is the Founder, President, and CEO of Rebound New Mexico, a leading statewide 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting economic freedom, limited government, and informed citizen engagement. For more than 18 years, she has collaborated with policymakers, business leaders, and citizens across New Mexico to advance policies that enhance the state’s economic competitiveness and expand opportunity for individuals and families.
Carla Sonntag
A graduate of the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Business with a BBA, Carla has dedicated her career to strengthening civic participation and advancing sound public policy. In 2009, she founded Rebound New Mexico to educate and empower citizens as active participants in the democratic process.
In 2020, she launched Better Together New Mexico (BTNM), a major initiative of Rebound New Mexico and the state’s largest grassroots coalition. BTNM has engaged more than 250,000 citizens and 140 community organizations. National organizations and policymakers frequently turn to Carla and Rebound New Mexico as trusted authorities on issues affecting families, economic growth, energy policy, and individual opportunity.
Carla currently serves as Private Sector Chair for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and is a member of Frontrunners, a national network of grassroots executives. She is a respected voice in state and national media and is regularly consulted by community leaders, business groups, and elected officials. Her contributions have earned national recognition, including an invitation to the White House to witness the signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during President Trump’s first term.
Under Carla’s leadership, Rebound New Mexico has built one of New Mexico’s most extensive networks for citizen education and public policy engagement, empowering more than 250,000 New Mexicans to participate effectively in the policymaking process.
Larry Sonntag
Larry Sonntag is a founding Director of Rebound New Mexico. Since the organization’s inception, he has provided strategic leadership, operational guidance, and oversight of its training and education programs.
A U.S. Air Force veteran who served stateside and in Germany, Larry earned an Associate Degree in Industrial Security and a Bachelor of Business degree.
His 30-plus-year career in military and law enforcement service provided deep expertise in security protocols, risk management, operational leadership, and investigative techniques. While serving overseas as a high-asset Security Specialist, he was named the top Non-Commissioned Officer for U.S. Air Force European Command.
Larry joined the Albuquerque Police Department in 1989 and retired in 2009 as a Captain and Commander of the Scientific Evidence Division. He played a pivotal role in modernizing the department’s crime-scene investigation capabilities and was an early pioneer in implementing 3D laser scanning technology. As President of the International Association of Forensic and Security Metrology, he helped establish national best practices and scientifically validated protocols for laser-generated evidence in court proceedings.
Recognizing the need to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public, Larry created the innovative Citizens CSI Academy, the first program of its kind, which allows citizens to experience professional crime-scene investigation tools and techniques firsthand. The program received national media attention and has served as a model for other agencies across the country.
Today, Larry brings his extensive leadership experience and commitment to public service to Rebound New Mexico. He continues to champion public safety initiatives, veteran support, first-responder advocacy, and community outreach, strengthening the organization’s mission to help individuals and families achieve greater security and opportunity.
Larry plays a key role in researching public policy issues, analyzing legislation, developing citizen education materials, and helping craft the organization’s statewide calls to action. His work helps ensure that New Mexicans receive timely, accurate information about issues affecting their communities and opportunities to participate in the public policy process.
Justin Rodriquez
Justin Rodriguez serves as Treasurer of Rebound New Mexico, overseeing the organization’s financial stewardship, accountability, and long-term fiscal health. A dedicated community advocate in both New Mexico and Texas, Justin brings significant experience in financial oversight, organizational governance, and civic engagement to his role.
A graduate of the University of New Mexico, Justin is committed to advancing Rebound New Mexico’s mission through prudent financial management and strategic support for citizen education and civic participation initiatives. His thoughtful leadership helps ensure the organization’s operational effectiveness and capacity to expand opportunity across the region.
Rebound New Mexico is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.