Instilling information
NAME: James M. Haynes TITLE: chairman of the board NAME: Patty Komko TITLE: president ORGANIZATION: Leadership New Mexico
Leadership New Mexico proudly introduces the 34 leaders from 15 New Mexico communities participating in the 21st Core Program, the Core Class of 2017. These leaders are devoted and eager to help create a prosperous future for New Mexico. Leadership New Mexico would like to share the class’s insights about their experiences in the Core Program and the future of New Mexico.
Leadership New Mexico is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational organization founded in 1995 to develop a statewide network of informed leaders. Since the beginning, 1,464 leaders have graduated from one of its three annual programs: the Core Program, the Connect New Mexico Program and the Local Government Leadership Program. Participants have come from 84 communities, many ethnicities and backgrounds and more than 50 industries, including agriculture, health care, state and local government, banking, law, insurance, engineering, education, oil and gas, high tech, nonprofits, venture capital and more. This year’s Core Program class comes from 15 communities, 14 industries and 34 companies.
Leadership New Mexico provides programs for different types of leaders through the Core Program, Connect New Mexico Program, Local Government Leadership Program and the Alumni Program once they graduate. The four programs focus on educating leaders in different ways specific to their current leadership position in their career, but share two other very important features: the culturally diverse communities they visit and the networking opportunity participants are exposed to.
In the last 21 years, Leadership New Mexico program sessions have been held in 20 different communities. Host communities have the opportunity to show their unique characteristics, impact in New Mexico and the struggles they face. This exposes participants to the state’s wide spectrum of cultures, viewpoints, attributes and issues. Participants visit and tour landmarks in each community, learn their impact on the community and surrounding area, and get to know their leaders.
Leadership New Mexico’s networking opportunity is unlike that of any other organization in the state. Whether it is a breakout discussion during the program or through networking dinners at the end of the day, participants have the opportunity to become acquainted with other leaders. The open communication environment allows them to discuss the session topics, expand their views, share their insights, build lasting professional and personal relationships and create a sense of community throughout the entire state.
Leadership New Mexico launched the Core Program in 1996 for established senior-level leaders. It is designed to inspire leaders to become better informed about the issues confronting New Mexico, while creating a strong network of professionals with enhanced leadership skills to make New Mexico a better place to live, work and raise families.
Each Core Program session addresses topics that affect the quality of life, economic development and job growth. Session topics include: health and human services; economic development; education; environment and natural resources; leadership; and crime, justice and government.
In 2003, Leadership New Mexico created a similar educational networking opportunity, the Local Government Leadership Program, for municipal and county officials, school board members, New Mexico National Guard members and regional councils of government. This program is a partnership with the New Mexico Association of Counties, the New Mexico Municipal League and the New Mexico School Board Association. Officials participate in leadership skill-building workshops and, like the Core Program, gain the knowledge necessary to undertake their civic responsibilities and instill in them a passion for effective and ethical public service.
Connect New Mexico The Next Generation of Leadership, launched in 2007, targets young business leaders ages 25-40, and combines elements of the Core Program and Local Government Leadership Program. It allows participants to develop personal leadership skills and techniques, cultivate new ideas, learn how New Mexico’s systems and structures work, understand and explore current issues and establish a bond with peers from all over the state.
The Alumni Program offers graduates of the other programs an opportunity to continue their education and network building. The Alumni Program’s educational tours and networking events are offered to all members. Interaction with alumni from other programs and class years expose leaders to a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
Leadership New Mexico continues to expand each year with talented, accomplished and dedicated leaders who share the same common interest: to be educated and network with other leaders who value the state and want to create a better future for their community and New Mexico. Their passion is evident through the work they do with their organizations, businesses and communities.
Leadership New Mexico would like to thank its dedicated volunteers, speakers, and sponsors, who generously share their time and resources, and who believe that New Mexico’s future prosperity depends upon the quality of its leadership. Leadership New Mexico will continue to work toward its mission of educating and inspiring leaders to make a difference and create a better future in our great state of New Mexico.
For more information regarding Leadership New Mexico’s programs, please visit its website at www. leadershipnm.org or contact Leadership New Mexico at 505-398-1500.