Fernando R. Macias, Doña Ana County Manager, was selected as New Mexico IDEA (NMIDEA) “2020 Ben Lujan Public Servant of the Year Award” recipient. Davin Lopez, President and CEO, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA) nominated Macias for the distinction. Eric Montgomery, MVEDA Vice President of Business Development and NMIDEA District VII Director and Legislative Committee Chair, presented the award during the Board of County Commissioners’ March 9th meeting.
Eric Montgomery (left) presents 2020 Ben Lujan Public Servant of the Year Award to Doña Ana County Manager Fernando Macias (right) during the Board of County Commissioners’ March 9th meeting. Photo courtesy of Doña Ana County.
The Ben Lujan Public Servant of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has played a key role in economic development in New Mexico during the past 12 months. The NMIDEA’s Awards Committee reviews the nominations and selects the award winners. This is an association of economic developers, city officials and development related executives interested in and working toward the promotion of New Mexico, thus creating jobs for its citizens.
“Since being the first MVEDA Executive Director, Fernando has created a distinguished history of involvement in economic development in our region and state. This past year, the economy certainly faced numerous challenges,” MVEDA President and CEO Davin Lopez said. “However, because of his focus, experienced leadership and determination, our region made strides in economic development, during the pandemic.”
The award nomination recognized various efforts of Macias over the last year. He has led the County’s efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including seeking avenues to curb the economic impact on businesses and residents. In April 2020, under Macias’ leadership, the County entered a contract with Community Economics Laboratory to conduct an Economic Crisis Flash Assessment, which is a tool to help prepare for economic impacts within our region due to the pandemic. In addition, he has spearheaded efforts of the County to provide financial assistance to local businesses and residents adversely affected by the pandemic through funding from the CARES Act and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. During the pandemic, areas of the county continued experiencing construction and business growth. Recently, the County Community Development Department completed a Development Services Efficiency Review in order to improve the permitting process for commercial development.
“It has been a challenging year for our economy and the people we serve,” Macias said. “The County will continue working collaboratively with others to foster additional economic development opportunities for our community and state, which will lead to more job growth.”
Macias has a long history of dedicated public service in the Mesilla Valley. Besides efforts including economic development, his career includes establishing a public defenders’ office in Las Cruces, serve as county commissioner, state senator, District Court Judge and general manager of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission. Macias was also county manager from 1997 to 2000.
Release courtesy of Doña Ana County. Posted March 10, 2021.
