Our Leadership

Rob Black was named Cabinet Secretary designee of Economic Development by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in September 2024.

As Secretary of Economic Development, Black oversees the state’s efforts to foster economic growth, support businesses, and create jobs across New Mexico.

With over 25 years of experience in New Mexico and California, Black has a proven track record in driving economic growth, building coalitions, and managing large-scale projects. Recently, he served as the president & CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, where he led a statewide business advocacy organization with over 500 members. During his tenure, Black launched the NMCEO, partnering with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions to run the Be Pro Be Proud career and technical education program.

He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly Hastings), and a summa cum laude Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of New Mexico. Black is actively involved in organizations including New Mexico First and the US Chamber of Commerce’s Committee of 100.