It is with gratitude and respect that I write my final communiqué as President of the New Mexico Bankers Association. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this remarkable organization which has greatly improved our industry and strengthened our communities throughout New Mexico for over a century.

Time seems to move faster as the years roll by; the end of my appointment is rapidly approaching. I have met many exceptional people in our great state. I want to commend those people who inspire others through their work to promote the well-being of our communities, notably John Anderson, Mark Anderson, Debbie Shaefer, the past and current board members of the NMBA, and the public servants and elected officials of our great state.

As I reflect on the past several years, I am reminded of how hard bankers have worked to help New Mexico recover from COVID-19. There were close to 700,000 cases and 10,000 deaths in New Mexico alone as a result of the pandemic. Bankers served throughout that time, and we have worked relentlessly to help our state recover from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. We lost bankers along the way and there is no banker who did not suffer the loss of a loved one, friend, acquaintance or customer. Over 41,00 businesses received $3.4B through the Paycheck Protection Program facilitated by New Mexico bankers. Countless individuals were provided support and advice as our economy recovered. This work continues as we help small businesses grow stronger through the provision of products, services and financial education. Credit for these significant efforts is reflected in the loyalty of our customers.

The NMBA engaged in a successful 2023 Legislative Session. Among numerous legislative issues that we addressed was the proposed establishment of a state bank, an idea of primary concern to the NMBA. John Anderson supervised a coordinated effort by bankers who wrote editorials, ran advertisements and appeared before interim legislative committees to testify that a state bank is a bad idea for our state. In the fall of 2022, we hosted legislative/banking meetings across the state to discuss the NMBA Legislative Agenda and received resounding support. As a result of our efforts, no bills creating a state bank were introduced in the 2023 Legislative Session.

We continue to grow the bank Internship Program with the University of New Mexico and are now expanding those opportunities to New Mexico State University. Special thanks to Elizabeth Earls who has been a champion of the program from inception and is directly responsible for much of its success. Elizabeth has also graciously assumed the interim role of Secretary-Treasurer of the NMBA with the departure of Mike Lowrimore to Colorado.

I invite you, your senior staff and directors to attend our 111th Annual Convention on September 14-16, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort. We are going big this year in one of the most majestic areas of New Mexico, nestled in the ancient lands of the Tamayame people between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande River on the Santa Ana Pueblo. There is much to do with the family: horseback riding, golfing, swimming (four incredible pools), hiking, biking and a spa set amongst breathtaking views. Incredible food and culture make this an ideal location for our convention. We have planned an excellent agenda and will welcome our incoming NMBA President, Mark Horn. Mark is a bright fellow, and I know he will serve the NMBA with distinction and contribute significantly to its success.

I want to offer my friend and mentor, Mike Lowrimore, a bittersweet adieu as he takes on new endeavors in Colorado. We have all significantly gained from Mike’s dedication to the NMBA. I know Mike and his wife Mary are thrilled to be living in beautiful Colorado where they are strategically located to be able to see more of their children’s families and grandchildren. It is with profound thanks and appreciation that I wish Mike and Mary Godspeed. Who knows? We might get lucky and see him this fall at Tamaya.

Traveling throughout the state for the NMBA has been my favorite part of the job. It was an extraordinary opportunity to meet with incredible leaders and exceptional bankers in our state.

It is a privilege to have the mentorship and friendship of John Anderson. To watch him at work on behalf of the NMBA with unparalleled dedication and concern for the broad spectrum of political and economic issues pertaining to New Mexico and our communities is to see kind expertise in action. John is a remarkable teacher, and everyone learns when he speaks.

I wish the very best for all of you. We have an incredible group of leaders who serve this association so that all banks in the state prosper and all communities thrive. Thank you to Jay Jenkins and his lovely wife Kirstin for hosting John and me in Carlsbad. You could run for office if you wanted to, Jay, and would no doubt win. Thank you, Jayson Wyatt, for all of your advice and support. I appreciate your strong will and great sense of humor. Thank you, Sheila Mathews, for your years of faithful service. Your ability to solve problems is formidable. Thank you, Kyle Beasley, for your encouragement and dedication to this organization. It has been fun to circle back with you, Paul Mondragon — there’s a lot of water under the bridge since we worked together all those years ago. Thanks to Ken Clayton, Scott Czarniak, Aaron Emmert and Kamal Ali. It’s been great getting to know you all as we have worked to keep our industry on the right track.

I appreciate all of our bankers who collaborate, cultivate and inspire an enduring sense of duty to the thriving growth of New Mexico.

My time as President has meant a great deal to me. As I leave as your President, I want you to know that I will continue to serve the NMBA.

David Hockmuth
President
New Mexico Bankers Association