Leadership New Mexico (LNM) is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening New Mexico by educating and connecting diverse leaders through experiential learning.
For over three decades, LNM has brought together leaders from across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build understanding, foster collaboration, and prepare individuals to address the complex challenges and opportunities facing our state. Our work is rooted in the belief that strong communities and a strong future depend on informed, ethical, and connected leadership.
LNM’s programs are intentionally designed to go beyond traditional leadership training. Through place-based learning, candid dialogue, and direct engagement with New Mexico’s regions, systems, and communities, participants gain a deeper understanding of how the state works—and how their leadership can contribute to positive, lasting impact.
OUR MISSION
Strengthening New Mexico by educating and connecting diverse leaders through experiential learning programs and activities.
Our Vision
To be the premier organization for leadership in New Mexico through the sharing of knowledge and fostering relations that develop a community of excellence.
At the heart of Leadership New Mexico is a commitment to:
- Building trust across sectors, cultures, and communities
- Encouraging leaders to seek perspective, not just position
- Developing the capacity to lead with clarity, integrity, and responsibility
- Creating networks that strengthen collaboration and problem-solving statewide
Leadership New Mexico is proudly nonpartisan and nonprofit. We do not advocate for political positions or policy outcomes. Instead, we create space for learning, respectful dialogue, and relationship-building so leaders with different backgrounds and viewpoints can better understand one another and the issues shaping New Mexico.
Our community of alumni, now numbering in the thousands, represents a powerful network of individuals committed to service, stewardship, and the long-term well-being of New Mexico. Together, they form a trusted community of leaders who continue to learn from one another and work across boundaries to move the state forward.
Leadership New Mexico exists to ensure that the next generation of leaders, and those currently serving, are equipped not only with knowledge, but with perspective, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people and communities of New Mexico.
OUR Board of Directors
Chairman Louis Salazar
Connect 2012 &
Core 2020
ConocoPhillips
Santa Fe
Immediate Past Chairman Rob Nelson
Core 2015
Nelson & Company CPA
Albuquerque
Diego Espinoza
President
Leadership New Mexico
Bernalillo
Jared Matts
Treasurer & Incoming Chairman
Core 2017
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Albuquerque
Ekta Bhakta
Secretary & Connect New Mexico Curriculum Chair
Connect 2019
Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC
Carlsbad
Dr. Scott Andrews
Local Government Leadership Program Curriculum Chair
LGLP 2025
Doña Ana County
Las Cruces
Amie Baeza
LGLP 2023
Lea County Probation
Hobbs
Daniel Cheshire
Core Curriculum Chair
Core 2024
TechSource, Inc.
Albuquerque
Liz Earls
Connect 2012
Capra Bank
Albuquerque
Martin Gallegos
Connect Curriculum Chair
Connect 2023
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque
Steve Garcia
Core 2020
Brycon Corporation
Albuquerque
Gena Goodson
Core 2025
Albuquerque The Magazine
Albuquerque
Dr. Christina Hall
Alumni Chair
Core 2024
Wishbone Chiropractic
Albuquerque
Cristin Heyns-Bousliman
Core 2024
REDW Advisors and CPAs
Albuquerque
Teryn Lamoreux
Connect 2015
Jaynes Corporation
Albuquerque
Robert Leland
Core 2023
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque
Tony Major
Core 2023
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales
Paul Mondragon
Core 2009
Bank of America
Albuquerque
Rebecca Napier
Core 2025
UNM Health Science Center
Albuquerque
Kari Olson
Connect 2015
Core 2024
Spencer Fane, LLP
Santa Fe
Dr. Bill Pieratt
Core Curriculum Chair
Core 2023
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Las Cruces
Jacquelyn Reeve
Alumni Chair
Core 2018
Medical Management Inc.
Albuquerque
Brandi Selby
Core 2024
American Document Services
Las Cruces
Denise Wilcox
Core 2024
New Mexico Gas Company
Albuquerque
Sonya Struck
Core 2023
LOR Foundation
Taos
STAFF TEAM
Diego Espinoza
President
Email Diego
(505) 980-7510
Robert Perea
Vice President of Community Relations
Email Robert
(505) 610-1831
Andrew Bickham-DiGregorio
Manager of First Impressions
Email Andrew
(505) 320-0747