Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance Welcomes Alfonso “AJ” Leggette as Director of Business Development

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — September 4th, 2026 — The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) is delighted to announce the addition of Alfonso “AJ” Leggette as its new Director of Business Development. Leggette brings experience in economic development, site selection, business recruitment and site development to AREA as the organization continues its efforts to attract investment, support business growth and strengthen the Greater Albuquerque region’s competitive position.

In his new role, Leggette will work alongside AREA’s Business Development team and regional partners to identify and pursue new business opportunities, support companies through the site selection process, and promote Greater Albuquerque as a destination for business investment and expansion.

“AJ brings a valuable combination of economic development experience, relationship-building skills and a genuine commitment to creating opportunities for the communities he serves,” said Chad Matheson, President & CEO of AREA. “As we continue to see strong interest in Greater Albuquerque from companies across a range of industries, AJ will be an important addition to our team and our efforts to grow and diversify the regional economy. We are excited to welcome him to AREA.”

Leggette is an emerging economic development leader whose experience spans both rural and urban markets. Throughout his career, he has worked with companies through the site selection process across a variety of industries, including mobility, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and professional and technical services. His experience also includes business recruitment, site development and special marketing campaigns.

Prior to joining AREA, Leggette worked with the Greenville Area Development Corporation and Florence County Economic Development Partnership in South Carolina, providing him with experience working across two distinct economic markets and developing strategies to support business growth and investment.

“I may have traded the Palmetto State for the Land of Enchantment, but my passion for economic development came with me. I’m excited to learn everything I can about the Albuquerque region, get to know the people and communities that make it special, and contribute to the AREA team.” said Leggette. “And, of course, I’m still working on figuring out which chile I prefer.”

A native of South Carolina, Leggette is a graduate of Francis Marion University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He is also active in his community and served as a board member of the Francis Marion University Alumni Association.

Leggette joins AREA’s Business Development team at a time of continued economic momentum for Greater Albuquerque. Throughout 2026, the region has celebrated significant business investments and expansions across industries including cybersecurity, defense, space technology, bioscience and specialty pharmaceuticals. AREA’s business development efforts focus on attracting new investment while supporting the retention and expansion of existing businesses throughout the region.

To learn more about AREA and its economic development efforts, visit ABQ.org.

About the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance

The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) 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 and works with existing businesses to support retention and expansion. Since its creation in 1960, AREA has recruited more than 250 companies and more than 35,000 jobs to the Albuquerque metro area. For more information, visit ABQ.org.