BY STEPHANIE NAKHLEH
Los Alamos

I am writing to support David Hampton for the UNM-LA Advisory Board.

I served alongside David on the Planning and Zoning Commission from 2021 to 2025, and I witnessed firsthand the qualities that make him an excellent public servant. David understands that effective board service requires both advocating for community needs and working within real institutional boundaries. His approach is both strategic and practical—he keeps big-picture questions front-of-mind while staying grounded in how decisions affect real people. 

What sets David apart is his genuine commitment to showing up and doing the work. He walks sites, asks thoughtful questions, and puts in the time to understand issues deeply rather than relying on assumptions. He sits through countless board, commission, and Council meetings that he’s not even on, just to observe. There may be nobody in Los Alamos who better understands the variety and depth of the issues in this town.

David has already demonstrated his dedication to UNM-LA by attending graduations and fundraising events, representing our community at these important functions. As he has pointed out, some past graduations had no board members in attendance—that’s not the level of engagement our community deserves.

The sheer amount of time David dedicates to community service across multiple boards and commissions is extraordinary. He is one of the most civic-minded people I know, and I strongly recommend him for the UNM-LA Advisory Board.

Stephanie Nakhleh is currently serving as a planning commissioner, writing in a personal capacity. These opinions are her own and do not reflect those of the Planning and Zoning Commission.