New Mexico’s top economic development official is heading to El Paso to take the reins of the Borderplex Alliance, the almost 4-year-old regional economic development organization. Jon Barela, New Mexico economic development secretary in Santa Fe for almost six years, is scheduled to take over as Borderplex Alliance chief executive officer Oct. 1, the group’s leaders announced Monday morning.
Barela, 56, a Las Cruces native and lawyer, replaces Rolando Pablos, who leaves his job Wednesday. Pablos, 48, who announced his resignation in May, has moved his family to Austin, where he plans to re-establish his law practice and pursue his dream of starting a renewable energy company.
Pablos was the first CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, formed in late 2012 by the merger of El Paso’s two private economic development groups. It has a 12-person staff and $2.2 million budget supported by companies and individuals as member-investors. Pablos was charged with getting El Paso, Juárez and southern New Mexico leaders working together to promote and advocate for the region while also recruiting companies to the area.
In a statement, Barela said, “I grew up in this area and my heart remains here. I understand the unique assets that make this region well positioned to be a leader in commerce and provide 21st century jobs.”
El Paso businessman Woody Hunt, chairman of the Borderplex board, said in a statement that Barela is a leader with economic successes during his years in government leadership jobs. He will build on the alliance’s successes in unifying the region, creating jobs, and “elevating the North American Borderplex to national and international audiences,” Hunt said.
Alejandra de la Vega Foster, the group’s board vice chair, said in a statement that Barela “knows how to spur economic growth and work with investors, government officials, and potential businesses to create jobs and bring investments.” Barela has a deep understanding of this region, she said.
Release courtesy of the El Paso Times. Read more…
Posted August 29, 2016
