Former President and CEO of Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Alex Romero has been appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez to fill the open seat on the University of New Mexico Board of Regents.
For nearly 50 years Romero has gained experience in New Mexico’s business community. He is a retired bank executive who spent 35 years in the banking industry in the Albuquerque area.
Romero is also the former Executive Vice President of Bank of America’s New Mexico Consumer Market Division, making him responsible for the bank’s marketing outreach and its New Mexico Banking Centers.
“I understand the importance of a quality education as we prepare our students for the workforce or becoming entrepreneurs,” Romero said.
In December of 2004 Romero was named President of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and retired in April of this year when appointed as a UNM regent.
For his first three weeks as a member, Romero began getting to know the key leaders at UNM and understanding their roles at the University.
“I have met some very impressive leaders with tremendous passion for the University and their work,” he said. “I have spent time with the other Regents also getting to know them and learning about their expectations.”
Aiming to bring everyone together as a team, Romero hopes to impact the University’s future in a positive way.
“I’m a collaborator,” he said. “I look at the bigger picture and work to bring players together to focus on specific goals. My knowledge and background will be an asset as we look at the future of UNM and how we can serve New Mexico’s students, their families and the business community.”
Romero also serves as co-chair for the New Mexico Hispanic Education Advisory Council, which works closely with the New Mexico Secretary of Education.
As a native New Mexican, Romero understands New Mexico’s culture and heritage and how they play into education. Having family support is very much a part of education, he said.
Romero has a unique background regarding his education. He attended multiple banking schools across the country; however all of his accomplishments never earned him a college degree.
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Romero is a recess appointee, meaning he was appointed by the Governor and can serve only until the adjournment of the next regular session of the New Mexico Legislature unless he is confirmed by the Senate.
Romero will be seeking a “confirmation hearing” by the Senate Rules Committee prior to that time.
He said he is passionate about education and optimistic about our future and the future of UNM students.
“I’m very much honored,” he said. “I see it as an honor and a privilege. It’s also a responsibility I take seriously. I look forward to working in this capacity.”
Denicia Aragon is a news reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @deniciaaragon98.
