Homestead Landowners' Association, Inc.
About the HLA
The primary purpose of the HLA is to provide for the maintenance of roads within and serving its landowners and to provide and maintain a water system to provide clean, safe drinking water to any or all lots located within the Subdivision, where feasible.
Meet the Board of Directors
The members of our Board of Directors are elected during our annual elections, serving as dedicated volunteers for a two-year term. In cases where positions need to be filled, the board may appoint additional members as needed. This structure ensures that our board remains responsive and effective in guiding our organization.
President
Steve Benson
I am a native of Nebraska and was an owner/operator of a heavy haul semi for 25 years and also had a small beef cow herd. I moved to New Mexico in 2017 and worked at the NAPA store in Socorro for 2 years and then at the VLA until I retired in May of 2025. I been a fulltime resident in the Homestead subdivision since June of 2022.
Vice President
Mary Ann Buckon
Hello community members. I was elected Vice President of the HLA Board on June 14, 2026. I am honored to serve the community in this capacity and welcome your ideas, comments, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of service to you at
505-489-8640.
My husband Paul and I purchased the Homestead property in December, of 2020. When not in Datil, we reside in Placitas, NM. I am a retired Special Education Director and teacher, and I served disadvantaged youth in the Albuquerque area. Prior to teaching I worked as a Director of the Rio Rancho Department of Juvenile Services Bootcamp for adjudicated youths. Before moving to New Mexico in 1993, Paul and I owned an equipment rental store in Ohio.
My goal as a board member is to work with the community members to ensure that we have a safe and thriving community where all can have a voice, feel respected, and be able to enjoy our lives in Datil.
Treasurer
Jim McDaniel
My name is Jim McDaniel. I am the current HLA treasurer. I started my work career as a police officer, but most of my professional life was spent working my way up from laborer to ultimately the General manager of one of the largest dairy manufacturing companies in the world, having responsibility for a manufacturing facility with over 500 employees and a half a billion dollar budget. I have served on several boards of directors over the years including non profit, for profit, city government, and NGO.
My wife Sherry and I are currently part time residents, but since implementing e-meetings we have been able to attend all meetings remotely when we are away. . We are both very involved in volunteering here in the homestead including in both board activities and waterworks.
While serving as treasure, I have implemented a standard financial summary that clearly and consistently communicates the financial state of the HLA and waterworks to the board and anyone who attends the monthly meetings. We have upgraded the system by utilizing modern banking and communication tools. We have been successful at collecting over half of outstanding past due accounts. By taking on more duties, I have reduced our monthly bookkeeping fees by half. I will continue to ensure financial solvency through cost-cutting efforts and recommending appropriate and timely rate adjustments.
I love living here in the Homestead and am very optimistic about our future and lifestyle here. Thank you to everyone that trusts me with this very important position and supports me in this role.
Director
Eva Cox
My husband Ken and I have been Homestead landowners since 2009. Since retiring we spend four months in Datil and the remainder of the year in Vermont near our two grandchildren.
I enjoy hiking and exploring, observing the plants, wildflowers and wildlife along my way. I also enjoy snowshoeing, reading and drawing. When back in Datil, I spend a lot of time in my favorite place on and around East Sugarloaf Mountain, with our dog Pippa. I have a deep love of our Homestead home, and of the Southwest.
Following my lifelong love of animals, I worked for 45 years as a veterinary technician teaching and working in small and mixed animal practices. I was deeply involved in the formation of the Vermont Veterinary Technician Association. As veterinary technicians in the state were underpaid, often with little or no benefits, many technicians were leaving the profession. I helped achieve certification for Vermont technicians to increase recognition of their professionalism with subsequent increases in salary and benefits. I try to be a problem solver, and will work with other Homestead board members in that capacity.
I would like to see to see the Homestead community remain financially solvent, and am especially interested in an upgrade of our water infrastructure. Reliable water delivery, quality and conservation are vital to our community.
I look forward to serving my friends and neighbors in the Homestead community, and look forward to meeting more of you. Please feel free to reach out to me with any concerns or suggestions you may have.
Director
Bernie Velasquez
No Statement Submitted
Director
John Pohl
No Statement Submitted
Director
Tim Fornof
My Wife (Donna) and I found this wonderful community back in 2021. We look forward to coming up every spring. It was the beauty of the homestead that brought us here and I don't want to change that.
I started attending the HLA Board meetings right from the start. Always participating when I could.Wanting to join the board but told that wasn't possible (ByLaws). Last year I was lucking enough to be nominated and voted on to the Board.
As a board member I understand the we work in your best interest and that of the Homestead. All of our members are the number one goal. As a board member I want to preserve our community while paving a path and understanding of improving those things that will enhance it but not change it.
I look forward to working on your behalf for as long as possible.