Remembrances

Brian Shields born and raised in Barcelona, Spain had made New Mexico his home for the past 52 years. Brian was a founding member of the Amigos Bravos Board of Directors and served as both its President and Vice President. He worked as Projects Director of Amigos Bravos from 1991-1996 and then Executive Director from 1996-2015. Of Spanish, British, and German Jewish descent, Brian brought the perspective of multiple cultures to his work and used his deep knowledge of New Mexico’s rivers and communities to further the work of organization.

As Executive Director of Amigos Bravos, Brian, through his thoughtful guidance and limitless passion and dedication created an organization that is respected and trusted by both the environmental and land-based communities of New Mexico. Under Brian’s leadership the organization grew in all areas – membership was increased, the scope and geography of the work expanded to a statewide level, and staff levels were tripled. Brian established a strong strategic planning process at Amigos Bravos, which continues to guide the organization to this day. Because of this process, the organization has been able to respond to the needs of the rivers and communities of New Mexico while staying focused and accountable.

As a leader, Brian had the rare ability to effectively guide without dominating. He had the capacity and talent to understand when a meeting or situation was beginning to fall apart and was quickly able to re-focus the group while making sure everyone felt heard. As a leader, Brian was able to create change by synthesizing the strengths of different people and organizations into strong action-based messages and plans.

Brian was greatly respected and loved by the staff and board of Amigos Bravos as well as by New Mexico’s river community. He brought compassion and a sense of humor to his work and was an inspiration to many. Brian was a river hero. He was a man who dedicated his life to rivers. He will be missed.

In Memoriam: Robert Weiss (October 5, 1964 – April 2, 2026)

Rob Weiss served as our trusted and dedicated IT specialist for more than 15 years. Dependable, thoughtful, and unfailingly kind, he was someone we could always count on. Whether he was solving a technical crisis or simply offering a steady, reassuring presence, Rob was always there when we needed him.

Rob quickly became more than a colleague; he was a true friend to many at Amigos Bravos. He joined us beyond the office as well, helping at events, attending staff raft trips, and enthusiastically supporting our work wherever he went. He brought a deep love of music and film into conversations that always left us intrigued and with a smile in our hearts.

We will remember him not only for his expertise and reliability, but for his friendship, humor, and generous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all of us at Amigos Bravos.

Read Rob’s obituary here.