Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce Faces Ethics Crisis: Secret Surveillance, Police Investigation, and City Scrutiny Shake Public Trust

The Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce is facing a full-blown crisis of credibility, with a police investigation, multiple board resignations, and calls from city leadership to reevaluate its relationship with the organization. At the center of the storm is Executive Director Jarrett Perry, whose leadership has been repeatedly challenged by board members, culminating in a formal legal complaint and a growing demand for a third-party ethics probe due to secret surveillance and alleged coercion.

A Pattern of Retaliation and Resignations

The Chamber has seen a steady stream of resignations from board members who clashed with Perry over governance, transparency, and ethical concerns. The most explosive departure came from Vice President Danielle Rondelez, who filed a formal complaint with the Alamogordo Police Department on September 23, 2025, alleging that her private conversation with another board member was secretly recorded by a Chamber employee and later used to pressure her into resigning.

According to the police report filed by Officer Jesus Diaz, Rondelez stated that Perry, the Office Manager, and Board President Rodney Eaton admitted to possessing the recording. Eaton allegedly implied that the audio could be used against her unless she stepped down from her volunteer position.

Police Investigation Reveals Coercion and Surveillance Concerns

The investigation, documented under Case No. 25A-28616, began after Rondelez contacted city leadership, who forwarded the matter to APD Chief David Kunihiro. Officer Diaz interviewed Rondelez on September 23, confirming her account of the August 20 board meeting and the subsequent parking lot conversation with fellow board member Sue Danekas.

Rondelez described how Eaton summoned her to a private meeting on September 4, where he accused her of harboring negative energy and opposing Perry’s vision. Eaton referenced the secret recording and allegedly stated, “If you don’t resign I am going to bring up this video to the board members to vote you off.”

Officer Diaz also interviewed Eaton, who admitted to referencing the recording but claimed it was captured incidentally by a security camera. He denied using it as leverage, stating it was merely used to confirm Rondelez’s “negative attitude.” Eaton said the board discussed the footage but never viewed it. Danekas declined to speak with police, citing concerns about her reputation.

Legal Outcome and City Reaction

On October 3, Officer Diaz met with the District Attorney’s office, which determined that the incident did not meet the statutory requirements for criminal charges under New Mexico law. Rondelez was informed and expressed understanding.

Despite the lack of criminal charges, the ethical implications have sparked outrage

In an email dated October 6, Mayor Susan Payne expressed deep concern, writing, “This makes me angry that we would even have to worry about this kind of thing from an organization that relies on public trust.” She condemned the Chamber’s leadership for fostering a culture of bullying and intimidation and questioned whether the city should cut funding and reduce ties with the organization.

Payne’s email also raised broader concerns about privacy violations at the city-owned Chamber facility, noting that while signage indicates video surveillance, there is no notice of audio recording. “The fact that anyone would think this potentially illegal act and bully behavior is appropriate really concerns me,” she wrote.

Mayor Susan Payne went a step further in her response reacting to the IPRA request by AlamogordoTownNews.org in an interview with Anthony Lucero which can be heard below…​

Fiscal Accountability and Leadership Scrutiny

The Chamber’s financial records further compound the controversy. IRS Form 990 filings show a net loss of over $83,000 in 2023, with executive compensation consuming a large percentage of total expenses. Critics argue that the Chamber’s spending priorities reflect a disconnect from its mission to support local businesses.

While the Chamber claims growth in membership, former board members allege the numbers are inflated, citing numerous delinquent accounts that remain unpaid and should not be counted as active members.

Lease Agreement and Financial Ties Add Complexity

Further complicating the matter is the Chamber’s lease agreement with the City of Alamogordo. Under a contract signed on May 1, 2024, the Chamber occupies a 2,679-square-foot portion of the city-owned building at 1321 N. White Sands Blvd. The fair market value of the lease is $2,009 per month, but the Chamber pays no rent in exchange for volunteer services, primarily staffing and maintaining the Aubrey L. Dunn, Sr. Visitor Center.

This arrangement—often described as a “sweetheart deal”—places additional scrutiny on the Chamber’s operations. The lease includes indemnification clauses and requires the Chamber to hold the City harmless from any liability arising from its use of the premises

However, the ethical breach alleged in Rondelez’s complaint raises questions about the City’s exposure and oversight responsibilities.

Adding further complexity, the City of Alamogordo also funds two programs through the Chamber: one for approximately $50,000 dedicated to business development, and another up to $100,000 for tourism and visitor services. These financial ties deepen the City’s connection to the Chamber and amplify concerns about whether the current leadership is upholding the standards expected of a publicly supported nonprofit.

What Comes Next

While no criminal charges will be filed, the City of Alamogordo is expected to evaluate its surveillance policies, signage requirements, lease enforcement mechanisms, and financial partnerships with the Chamber.

The controversy has highlighted the need for clear guidelines around audio recording, ethical conduct, and the responsibilities of organizations operating under city agreements.

The question now facing city officials is whether the relationship with the Chamber should continue under its present leadership?

The city commission is faced with a dilemma on rather to cut or withdraw funding, or demand the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce hire, at its expense, an independent auditor to evaluate allegations of impropriety, review leadership practices and investigate rather taxpayer dollars are being properly expended.

If an independent auditor is hired, a 3rd party should select the auditor. The findings should be reported to the Alamogordo City Commission in a public hearing for true transparency. 

As of this publication, no formal statement has been issued by the Chamber of Commerce regarding the incident.

Jarrett Perry, who previously served as Superintendent of Alamogordo Public Schools, has faced similar criticism in past roles. His tenure at APS ended amid governance disputes and curriculum controversies. Now, as the Chamber faces its own controversies, many are drawing parallels between Perry’s leadership styles across institutions. Some ask is this another negative repeat performance? 

A Community Demands Accountability

With the Chamber under scrutiny, its board fractured, and city officials openly questioning its legitimacy, Alamogordo’s business community is left wondering whether the organization can recover—or whether it’s time for a new model of civic and economic leadership.

The police investigation may be closed, but questions remain open: Who watches the watchdogs, and what does integrity look like in the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce? 

Sources:

Alamogordo Police Department Case No. 25A-28616, Officer Report by Jesus Diaz

Email correspondence between Mayor Susan Payne and Danielle Rondelez, October 2025

2nd Life Media: Shakeup and Resignation in Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce Board Leadership

Alamogordo Sentinel: APS Board Power Struggle and Perry’s Departure

 ProPublica: Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce IRS 990 Filings

More News from Alamogordo

• Gubernatorial Candidate Ken Gallegos Miyagishima Endorsed Sharon McDonald for Mayor of Alamogordo "Alamogordo boasts many impressive individuals in this race, but one candidate, in particular, stood out to me - Sharon McDonald" - Ken Gallegos Miyagishima, Candidate for Governor
• Breaking News Senator Nick Paul Resigns, Locals React and the Process for Replacement “Serving the people of District 33 has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Paul stated in the release.