Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the search committee for the Economic Development, Workforce Solutions & Transportation Departments. These individuals will work with the transition committee’s chairman, former Congresswoman Heather Wilson, to identify highly-qualified leaders of character for potential service as cabinet secretaries. These cabinet leaders will help the governor-elect turn around New Mexico’s economy, ensure the state has a well-trained, educated and paid workforce, and make sure the transportation network meets the needs of New Mexicans.
The members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Economic Development, Workforce Solutions & Transportation Search Committee include:
ANN RHOADES, CHAIRMAN
Ann Rhoades served as a senior executive with Southwest Airlines, Promus Hotel Company (Doubletree Hotel, Homewood Suites, Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn brands) and JetBlue Airways. Rhoades, an expert in human resources, is currently the president and founder of People Ink, a business which helps other companies create legacy cultures.
LOUIS ABRUZZO
Louis Abruzzo is president and chairman of the Alvarado Realty Company, which is the parent company of the Sandia Peak family of companies. Abruzzo dedicates his time to various projects and organizations including Ski New Mexico, Albuquerque Convention Visitor’s Bureau and Balloon Museum Foundation.
JON BARELA
Jon Barela is founder and part owner of Cerelink, a local technology business. Barela started the business after serving as Intel’s community and government relations manager. He serves on numerous non-profit boards, including the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico First, New Mexico’s Work Force Development Board, Albuquerque Public Schools Foundation and recently, the Albuquerque Public Schools Board.
JOHN H. BODE
John H. Bode is the president and chief executive officer of Bode Aviation. Bode is also a former Albuquerque Police Officer.
TOM HUTCHINSON
Tom Hutchinson is the National Restaurant Association board representative on the New Mexico Restaurant Association. He is also owner of La Posta de Mesilla, a restaurant that offers fine traditional “New Mexico” Mexican dishes and is a member of the Old Mesilla Association, Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces and Association of Commerce & Industry. Hutchinson is chairman of the board of directors of Citizens Bank of Las Cruces and a retired Navy Captain.
SHARON LOMBARDI
Sharon Lombardi is the executive director of Dairy Producers of New Mexico (DPNM), a trade organization for dairymen in New Mexico and West Texas. DPNM works closely with other western states’ dairy associations on issues and Lombardi is the liaison for grassroots dairymen on all levels of government speaking to public policy and regulatory issues. She is a member of the Roswell Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee, as well as a board member for the Association of Commerce and Industry.
SHERMAN MCCORKLE
Sherman McCorkle is president and chief executive officer of Technology Ventures Corporation. McCorkle recently served as chairman of the transition for Albuquerque Mayor R.J. Berry. He is founder and charter director of New Mexico Bank and Trust, has served on the board of governors of United Way of America and as a national trustee of the National Jewish Medical Research Center, served as chairman of the board of Albuquerque Economic Development, and vice chair of the board and director of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.
ALEX ROMERO
Alex Romero is president and chief executive officer of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, a business organization which helps support member businesses and economic growth in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico, while also making a positive impact in the community.
MARY YATES
Mary Yates is a business development manager for Yates Industries LLC. Yates has been involved in economic development in New Mexico since the late 1980’s. She served as deputy division director under Governor Gary Johnson. She is a past Main Street Manager from Ruidoso, and has co-owned and operated small businesses. She currently serves on a Community Bank Holding Company Board and is a member of New Mexico Industrial Development Executives Association.