TMCnet News
Economic development official elected to national board [Ruidoso News, N.M.](Ruidoso News (NM) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sept. 23--After eight consecutive years as executive director of the Southeastern New Mexico Economic Development District/Council of Governments, Hubert Quintana carved another notch in his accomplishment belt by being elected to the National Association of Development Organizations 2014 -- 2015 Board of Directors. The election occurred Aug. 26, during NADO's annual business meeting in conjunction with the association's 47th Annual Training Conference in Denver. Lincoln County and its municipalities are members of the regional organization headed by Quintana, and depend on him to organize and lobby for legislative funding requests. "NADO is a great organization serving not only large communities, but rural areas," Quintana said Tuesday. "(Being a member) is an opportunity to have real influence on Capital Hill, not only with members of our congressional delegation, but with congressmen and senators from all over the United States. "NADO has been instrumental in securing funding for communities in the areas of transportation, public works, revolving loan programs and other resources that have led to economic and community development across the country." Quintana is a familiar face to most people in government in New Mexico. He twice served as executive director of the SENMEDD, first for four years, and most recently for eight years. He grew up in Las Cruces and graduated from the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif., then attended San Diego State University. He began his professional career with Boys Clubs of San Diego, became executive director of Students Incorporated, a youth employment service in Las Cruces, and then moved to chief of program services for the Chaves County Community Action Program in Roswell. He was economic development planner for the SENMEDD before being named executive director the first time. Quintana took on the role of executive director of the Water Defense Association for six years, successfully defending water rights of non-Indian water users in the Bonito, Hondo and Ruidoso river valleys against claims of the United States and Mescalero Apache Tribe. He served as Chaves County manager for eight years and during his tenure a new county detention facility and administration center were constructed, the hospital was sold and planning and design for renovation and expansion of the historic county courthouse were completed. Quintana then moved to the Public Regulation Commission, where he served as administrative assistant to a commissioner and then the chairman. Before returning to the SENMEDD, he served as administrator of the New Mexico Fire Fighters Training Academy in Socorro on assignment from the Public Regulation Commission. "We are honored to have Hubert serve on NADO's Board of Directors," NADO Executive Director Joe McKinney said. "Hubert brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and leadership on regional community and economic development issues to the national level. Most importantly, Hubert is focused on helping our nation's local communities pursue comprehensive regional strategies for remaining economically competitive in today's rapidly changing global environment." The organization was founded in 1967, to provide training, information, and representation for regional development organizations throughout the United States. Member organizations serve local governments and the public within their regions through various programs focused on diversifying local economies, assisting businesses, creating jobs and providing social services. The NADO Board of Directors oversees the association's budget and operations, and develops policy on issues affecting regional development organizations. The Board of Directors includes member organizations that represent a broad section of the United States including the Eastern, Midwestern, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western regions. The term runs through the association's 2015 Annual Business Meeting, which will be conducted during the NADO Annual Training Conference on Oct. 27, 2015, in New Orleans. ___ (c)2014 the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) Visit the Ruidoso News (Ruidoso, N.M.) at www.ruidosonews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |