The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) today announced its 2026 Board of Directors, welcoming a dynamic group of business and community leaders committed to driving economic growth and prosperity throughout the greater Albuquerque region. Josh Parsons, Associate Labs Director, Mission Services & Chief Financial Officer for Sandia National Laboratories will serve as Board Chair, guiding the organization’s strategic direction as it continues to attract investment, support business expansion, and foster innovation in the region.
Chad Matheson continues in his role as Interim President and CEO, providing executive leadership as the organization advances its mission to strengthen the regional economy.
“I am honored to serve as Chair of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance during such a pivotal time for our region,” said Josh Parsons, 2026 Board Chair. “Our community is positioned for tremendous growth, and with this exceptional board, we are ready to capitalize on opportunities that will create jobs, attract new businesses, and enhance the quality of life for all residents. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated board members and the talented AREA team to build on our momentum and deliver meaningful results for the Albuquerque region.”
“The 2026 Board of Directors represents the strength and diversity of our regional business community,” said Chad Matheson, Interim President and CEO. “Their collective expertise across industries, from technology and healthcare to construction and finance, will be instrumental as we pursue strategic initiatives to grow our economy. Together, we will continue building partnerships, promoting pro-business policies, and positioning Albuquerque as a premier destination for business investment.”
2026 AREA Board of Directors:
Board Chair – Josh Parsons, Associate Labs Director, Mission Services – Chief Financial Officer – Sandia National Laboratories
Immediate Past Chair – Don Tarry, President & CEO – Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)
Chair Elect – Tracy Hartzler, President – Central New Mexico Community College
Treasurer – Rebecca Napier, Chief Financial Officer – UNM Health System
Board Secretary – Michelle Dearholt, CEO – Nusenda Credit Union
Adam Leyba, President – Klinger Constructors, LLC
Brian Brown, Vice President of Sales & Marketing – Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Benjamin Gardner, CEO/ Principal/Architect – Dekker
Celina Bussey, Client Relationship Executive – Deloitte Consulting LLP
Cliff Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – Lovelace Health System
Cynthia Schultz, Chief Executive Officer – Bradbury Stamm Construction, Inc.
Dan Long, General Counsel – Gridworks
Debbie Harms, CEO & Qualifying Broker – NAI Sun Vista
Eric Weinstein, Area President-New Mexico – Hub International
Frank Gallegos, Public Affairs Director – Intel Corporation
Hank Andrews, Managing Director & CF – XL Scientific dba Verus Research
Janice Torrez, President – BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico
Jeff Garrett, President – Garrett Development Corporation
Joe Farr, President – Duke City Commercial LLC
Joanie Griffin, Founding Principal – Sunny505
Justin Horwitz, Attorney at Law – Rodey Law Firm
Jim Chynoweth, Managing Director – CBRE Inc. Albuquerque
Kurt Browning, Partner – Titan Development
Kyle Beasley, Chief Executive Officer – Bank of Albuquerque
Lori Anne McBride, Market Manager – Manpower of New Mexico
Marcos Gonzales, Executive Development Officer – Bernalillo County
Tim Keller, Mayor of Albuquerque – City of Albuquerque
Meg Meister, Shareholder – Modrall Sperling Roehl Harris & Sisk, P.A.
Phil Campagna, President – Yearout Mechanical, LLC
Pepper Lang, Business Development Director – Albuquerque Publishing Co.
Robert Nelson, Senior Manager – Business Tax Services KPMG LLP
Robin Divine, Chief Executive Officer – TriCore Reference Laboratories
Ruth Huning-Gonzales, Manager – Huning, LLC
Ryan Shell, President – New Mexico Gas Company
Ryan Swinney, President & CEO – Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS
Steve Garcia, Director of Business Development – BRYCON Corporation
Shad James, President & CEO – Jaynes Corporation
Teresa Costantinidis, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration – University of New Mexico
Wayne Johnson, County Manager – Sandoval County
Zach Gruen, Executive Vice President – HB Construction, Inc.
For more information about the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and its 2026 Board of Directors, please visit www.abq.org or contact info@abq.org.
The full 2025 Board of Directors roster can be viewed online.
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About AREA
The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead and execute strategies designed to grow and diversify the economic base of the greater Albuquerque region, creating a prosperous, diverse and inclusive economy and elevating the standard of living for all. AREA provides confidential assistance to businesses considering the area for expansion and new investment. Since its creation in 1960, AREA has recruited more than 250 companies and more than 35,000 jobs to the Albuquerque metro area. AREA also provides retention and expansion assistance to existing industry. For more information, visit ABQ.org.