In observing the legislative process, an anonymous quote I read came to mind: “There are few ironclad rules of politics, but to one there is no exception. When a politician reports that talks were useful, it can safely be concluded that nothing was accomplished.”
This will be my final President’s Message. It has been an honor to serve as president of the New Mexico Bankers Association. The NMBA is a great organization that has improved our industry and strengthened our communities throughout our state.
I want to highlight a few things I particularly enjoyed during my tenure. I found the legislative road trip with John Anderson extremely rewarding and interesting. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with incredible leaders and bankers in our state. In fact, traveling through our state for the association was my favorite part of my tenure as president. To witness what is going on in Carlsbad was eye-opening. Oil and gas have been very kind to Southeast New Mexico, and the hospitality of their communities is a 10 out of 10. When we arrived in Roswell, the town had just been hit by a 100-year flood. However, what struck me was the positive attitude of the bankers, legislators and city officials we met. Mayor Tim Jennings (former state senator) spoke at our luncheon and felt that the community would get the flood damage under control soon. But, most importantly, the community was getting ready for the Roswell Air Show in the Summer of 2025 in the midst of the flooding. For those who do not know, the famous Reno Air Show has relocated to Roswell. I love the enthusiasm and attitude of that community!
We also had a wonderful meeting in Clovis. What I remember most is the chicken fried steak and ranch dressing. As State Rep. Martin Zamora said, “You have not lived until you have dined at K-Bob’s in Clovis.” Farmington is a great community, and it is always a treat to visit with local bankers and legislators. The pro-business attitude is infectious. In Santa Fe, we had a terrific luncheon at the Bull Ring Restaurant, which is co-owned by NMBA President-Elect Max Myers. Sen. Peter Wirth, majority leader in the Senate, provided us with an overview of what to expect during the 2025 Legislature. Sen. Wirth’s overview was fascinating and, in most respects, right on. Our final luncheon in Albuquerque was well-attended by bankers and legislators. Notably, we had a large number of legislators in attendance who had yet to be sworn in. Their excitement was palpable, and I hope they were not disappointed with their first session.
The ABA Annual Convention was in New York this year. What a great event! John Asbury, former president of First National Bank, Santa Fe, was sworn in as ABA chairman. What an honor for John. Our own Ken Clayton, Western Bank, Artesia, is serving as chairman of the ABA Government Relations Council. Ken provided us with much insight concerning the federal legislative environment. We were also treated to an eight-course, four-hour dinner in New York by Jay Jenkins that was great fun for all in attendance.
The NMBA Internship Program continues to be a great success. Special thanks to Liz Earls, who has been a fantastic leader for the program and continues to be its persistent champion. We continue to grow the program with the University of New Mexico and plan to expand the program to New Mexico State University next year.
The NMBA had a very successful 2025 legislative session overall. Among the numerous legislative issues that we addressed was the proposed establishment of a state bank. Also, on the calendar was an AI regulation bill and an interchange proposal, none of which we supported. Once again, our lobbying team, led by John, was able to defeat those bills that had a probable negative impact on our industry.
I am particularly proud of the NMBA’s decision to provide a scholarship to an emerging bank leader for the most recent session of the Southwest Graduate School of Banking. Our first recipient is Jason Garcia from Bank of the Southwest. From all reports, Jason was a real credit to his bank and the NMBA. Congratulations to Jason!
I have enjoyed working with the NMBA staff planning our 113th Annual Convention at Sandia Resort. I revised the timing of some of the events, including golf and the annual dinner. I hope you enjoy.
I am also pleased that Max Myers, Century Bank, will succeed me. Max is always the life of the party, and I know he will serve the NMBA with distinction and contribute significantly to its success.
Last but not least, Debbie Schaefer, long-time NMBA member services/event planner, has announced that she will retire from the NMBA effective September 30, 2025. Debbie has consistently provided members, sponsors and vendors with wonderful conventions and other educational events. She will be missed. I personally want to wish all the best to her in retirement. I’m sure our members will join me in that salute.
Again, thank you all for the opportunity to serve as the New Mexico Bankers Association president, and I want you to know that I will continue to serve the NMBA.
