New Mexico’s new Technology and Innovation Network Advisory Board held its inaugural meeting June 1, marking the beginning of formal oversight for more than $200 million in planned state technology and innovation investments.
State launches advisory board to guide $200M investment
SANTA FE (June 2, 2026) — New Mexico’s new Technology and Innovation Network Advisory Board held its inaugural meeting June 1, marking the beginning of formal oversight for more than $200 million in planned state technology and innovation investments.
The board will advise Economic Development New Mexico’s Technology & Innovation Office (TIO) on strategic planning, industry engagement and administration of the state’s Research, Development and Deployment (RD&D) Fund.
Of the more than $200 million in planned investments, $110 million will support the state’s RD&D Fund. TIO plans to announce funding opportunities from the RD&D Fund within the coming months.
“This advisory board is a critical bridge between the state and the broader innovation ecosystem,” said Cabinet Secretary for Economic Development, Rob Black. “With historic levels of funding now in place, it’s essential that we leverage the expertise of leaders from industry, academia, national laboratories, and the broader research and innovation community so these investments have the greatest possible impact.”
The board includes institutional representatives from across New Mexico’s research and innovation ecosystem – including Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, four state universities, community colleges and the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce – along with appointed members from the private sector.
The Advisory Board is expected to meet quarterly. For more information, visit edd.newmexico.gov/tio/.
Technology and Innovation Network Advisory Board, institutional representative members:
- Chair Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary, Economic Development New Mexico
- Becky Rowley, President, NM Independent Community Colleges
- Leslie Hielema, President and CEO, NM Chamber of Commerce
- Mary Monson, Senior Manager, Technology Partnerships and Business Development, Sandia National Laboratories
- James Zahler, Program Director for the Feynman Center for Innovation, Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Tanner Schaub, Assistant Vice President for Research, New Mexico State University
- David Hanson, Associate Vice President for Research, University of New Mexico
- Hengameh Raissy, Vice President for Research, UNM Health Sciences Center
- Lique Coolen, Vice President for Research, New Mexico Tech
- Jason Arviso, Vice President of Operations, Navajo Technical University
- Kyle Lee, CEO of CNM Ingenuity, Central New Mexico Community College
- Alicia Corbell, Dean of the School of Energy, San Juan College
- Stephanie Tofighi, Executive Director, NM Bioscience Authority
Appointed public members:
- Josh Agenbroad
- Edward (Ed) Blandford
- Dana Catron
- Jake Douglas
- Charlene (Charie) Jacka
- Yen Kha
- Josué F Martinez Hardigree
- Chad Matheson
- Nathaniel (Nate) Miller
- Janeth Peña
- Jim Redman
- Sarah Rubin
- Gil Travish
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