Governor Appoints Corporate Real Estate Broker as Deputy Secretary of Economic Development 

State Agency Press Release – From the New Mexico Economic Development Department

Isaac Romero Named Deputy Secretary – Joins Recently Appointed Secretary (and former CEO of NM Chamber of Commerce) Rob Black at State’s Economic Development Agency.

SANTA FE, N.M. – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has named Isaac Romero, a commercial real estate professional and former legislative analyst, as deputy secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department.

Romero is an Albuquerque native and a graduate of the University of New Mexico where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in organizational leadership and a minor in philosophy. His experience includes working as a fiscal analyst with the Legislative Finance Committee.

He rejoins state government after working in Albuquerque as a commercial real estate broker with eXp Commercial and NAI Sun Vista. Romero’s real estate experience extends to multi-family housing and commercial leasing and investment, working closely with companies on expansion and site selection in New Mexico.

“Isaac brings a unique skill set to the department with his combination of government and budgetary experience working with the Legislative Finance Committee and his private sector experience in commercial real estate and deal development. As New Mexico faces the challenges of competing in a global marketplace, Isaac will be integral to the Economic Development Department team,” Economic Development Secretary-Designate Rob Black said. “Isaac will be a key player as we build a robust and dynamic economy for New Mexico’s families.”

While at UNM, Romero served as student body president from 2013-2014 and a resident adviser and new student orientation leader. His civic involvement includes serving as legislative committee chair for the New Mexico Association of Realtors and vice president of the New Mexico chapter of the CCIM Institute, and president-elect of the Commercial Association of Realtors New Mexico (CARNM), the trade and continuing education organization for the statewide commercial investment industry.

Romero believes that New Mexico has an unprecedented opportunity to build an economy that will provide economic security to future generations – but it needs to move quickly to improve infrastructure and location readiness because businesses have more choices than ever on where to expand and add employees.

“I am grateful to the governor for this opportunity to advance my long-time passion to leverage the joint tools of economic development and commercial real estate to build a more prosperous New Mexico, securing a better future for all who dream of living in New Mexico and staying here to build a career,” Romero said.

Romero assumed his duties with the agency on Oct. 8, 2024.