CEO, president of ACI resigns
Espinoza to take top job at health organization
Jason Espinoza is resigning as head of the New Mexico Association of Commerce & Industry to become executive director of a statewide trade organization.
Espinoza will step down at the end of this month to head the New Mexico Health Care Association, which represents long-term health care providers that provide 24-hour care. The group’s 150 members include nursing homes, long-term care facilities continuing care retirement communities and smaller facilities for developmentally disabled clients.
“Over the years, ACI has grown and solidified itself as an important and impactful association that works to ensure a bright and prosperous future for New Mexico via the critical insight, industry expertise, commitment, and cooperation of an incredible membership,” Espinoza said in a letter to ACI members. “I have valued and cherished my role in encouraging, cultivating, and working collaboratively with our members to build the sustainable prosperity and growth of New Mexico.”
Taking over as interim president and CEO will be Allison Smith, past chair of the association. The group’s executive committee has appointed a search panel to find a replacement for Espinoza.
Board members credited Espinoza for launching ACI’s annual statewide FOCUS Tour and developing the Common Ground program that connects lawmakers with business leaders on tours through their legislative districts.
Espinoza will replace health care association Executive Director Linda Sechovec, who is retiring after heading the trade group for 31 years.