Gov. Susana Martinez recently appointed Alex O. Romero to the Board of Regents at The University of New Mexico. He brings nearly a decade of higher education experience and a passion for opening educational and economic opportunities for New Mexico’s youth to the UNM Board of Regents.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Regent of our great University," Romero said. "As a native New Mexican I bring a unique passion and understanding of our culture and heritage and the importance of educating our youth. As a business community leader I bring an understanding of the needs of business as it relates to an educated workforce. Collaboration is important to me; I look forward to working with the talented leadership at UNM and the Board of Regents.”
Romero recently retired after serving 12 years as president and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (AHCC). The Chamber promotes economic development and workforce education in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. AHCC raised more than $2 million to help provide students with the opportunity to pursue higher education during Romero’s time on the board.
Before his career with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber, Romero worked as a senior executive in finance with community and regional banks for more than 30 years. Additionally, has been active in several other leadership organizations, such as the New Mexico Economic Development Commission, the Albuquerque Development Commission, Sandia Science & Technology Park Development Corp., and Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico.
He is the immediate past Chairman of the Lovelace Medical Center Governing Board. He also served as a member of the board of trustees for the College of Santa Fe from 2000 to 2006. He also currently serves as co-chair of the New Mexico Hispanic Education Advisory Council, which works to close achievement gaps among Hispanic students throughout the state.
Romero, who was nominated to serve through Dec. 2022, is considered a “recess appointee,” can serve with full voting privileges. However, his term will expire at adjournment of the next regular session of the New Mexico Legislature if he is not confirmed.
He replaces Regent Jack Fortner, who recently resigned.