Agency Leadership
New Day has intentionally created a company culture and set of core values that guide our work. Our executive leadership team has led that process.
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Sara PennChief Executive Officer
Sara brings over two decades of unwavering commitment to serving the people and communities of New Mexico through her work as a social service administrator and social worker. Her passion for creating meaningful change has been a guiding force throughout her career.
Before joining New Day, Sara spent more than 15 years with Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, where she excelled in developing and managing support programs aimed at empowering individuals facing disabling conditions or challenging circumstances. Her leadership ensured these programs not only stabilized lives but also promoted long-term wellness and independence. In addition to her professional achievements, Sara demonstrated her dedication to advocacy and community service as the chairwoman of the Governor’s Brain Injury Advisory Council, where she served as a voluntary member for over seven years, championing critical issues affecting those with brain injuries. Sara’s academic foundation includes a Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University, earning her licensure as a social worker in New Mexico. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of New Mexico, further deepening her understanding of societal dynamics and the importance of systemic change. |
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Gerri BachichaChief Programs Officer
Gerri has dedicated her career to improving conditions in congregate care settings and ensuring safety and dignity for young people. She began as the Director of the YWCA Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center and Safe Home in Northwestern Pennsylvania, where she also chaired the Rural Sites Committee for the Pennsylvania Coalition for Domestic Violence.
After relocating to the Southwest, Gerri worked for Arizona Child Protective Services and later for the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) in the Behavioral Health Division. During her tenure, she served as New Mexico’s Juvenile Justice Specialist, where she oversaw the certification of all county detention centers and provided leadership for state Juvenile Justice Continuum and Community Corrections programs. She also led initiatives under the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI), with a focus on improving conditions of confinement and advancing equitable treatment for justice-involved youth. Gerri further supported behavioral health reform as the Substance Abuse Services Liaison under the Office of the CYFD Cabinet Secretary. In 2012, she joined the Bernalillo County Youth Services Center—a National Model Site for Juvenile Justice Reform—where she spearheaded efforts to improve care standards, enhance safety, and promote racial equity in juvenile justice systems nationwide. In 2019, Gerri transitioned to the City of Albuquerque, where she served as Program Manager for the Violence Intervention Program (VIP). In this role, she applied a public health approach to reducing gun violence and addressing the root causes of community harm. Throughout her career, Gerri has championed innovative solutions to create safer, more compassionate systems for vulnerable youth and families. |
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Michelle TaylorController
Michelle has 20+ years of experience in finance, accounting and consulting services for various companies, from large publicly traded healthcare companies to small start-up and minority owned businesses. She earned both BBA in Computer Info Systems and BBA in Accounting from New Mexico State University and is an active CPA in the State of New Mexico.
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