Business assn. names new president, CEO
Lovington native Rob Black takes over positions on Aug. 1
The New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry on Friday announced it had hired a veteran economic-development and public-policy expert as its new president and CEO. Rob Black, a native of Lovington, will officially take over the position on Aug. 1, according to a news release from the organization. He most recently was director of community relations for Pacific Gas and Electric in California. ACI bills itself as a statewide business advocate and chamber of commerce, with more than 300 member companies from around the state. Black has a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and has held positions at the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, according to the news release. “Rob’s expertise will help us navigate our geographically unique opportunities to expand our advocacy efforts to support business throughout New Mexico,” ACI board Chair Danny Jarrett said in a prepared statement. “His strong track record in working with diverse stakeholder groups, his background in nonprofit management and his understanding of the economic drivers in New Mexico made him the right choice to lead ACI. We look forward to Rob bringing his distinct experiences back home to New Mexico.” He succeeds Jason Espinoza, who left the position in March to lead the New Mexico Health Care Association.