One of the real honors of my career is serving as the 2024-25 president of the New Mexico Banker’s Association. Perks include traveling to the annual ABA convention and the annual legislative road trip to the corners of New Mexico with the inimitable John Anderson.
The ABA convention in late October was incredible. I’m not the biggest fan of NYC, but the weather was perfect, and the agenda was extraordinary. In addition to having ABA dignitaries ring the opening bell for the NASDAQ, speakers included General Mark Milley, Jamie Dimon, Brent Beardall (the CEO of WaFed with his life-changing story of surviving a plane crash) and Janet Yellen. CNB Bank’s CEO (and two-time past NMBA president) Jay Jenkins hosted a fantastic dinner, his joy punctuated by the tear rolling down his cheek when the bill arrived.
NMBA was well represented at the convention by Mark Horn, Liz Earls, Jay Jenkins, Ken Clayton, Max Myers, John Anderson, myself and our spouses. Also, the state of New Mexico is extremely well represented within ABA this year with the induction of former FNB Santa Fe CEO John Asbury as the new ABA board chair and the appointment of Western Bank Artesia’s CEO Ken Clayton as the new chair of ABA’s Government Relations Council. What a great thing for our state to have those guys in those positions!
Prior to the legislative road trip in November and December, I was advised to do the driving myself. I took that to heart, but I treasured the time on the road with John. We shared lots of great stories and laughs. Seeing his interactions with bankers and legislators and the respect and affinity that he receives reinforced for me the asset that he is for the association.
The trip was entertaining and informative, and it was well attended by bankers and legislators who care about solving the issues in their communities and the state. Lunch and dinner meetings were held in Carlsbad, Roswell, Clovis, Farmington, Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Issues affecting our banks and maintaining and growing businesses within our communities were the common topics. There is cautious hope that state leaders will pass stricter crime laws and leverage the current budget surplus (thank you, Southeast New Mexico!) to begin to address the homelessness and crime issues that have escalated in recent years, particularly in Albuquerque. However, there is also trepidation that businesses could be further burdened with the proposed FMLA and other regulations coming out of the upcoming 60-day session.
Special thanks to Jay Jenkins for his guided tour of Carlsbad. What a vibrant and energetic town, right in the heart of the activity in the Permian Basin! And, in Roswell, Mayor Jennings gave us his account of the devastating floods that ravaged the town this past summer. It was awful to see the high water damage two blocks above the drainage on both sides!
New Mexico communities throughout the state have great banks with great leaders! Thanks to everyone for the hospitality along the way and for helping to make New Mexico better!
