Davin Lopez, MVEDA President & CEO, joined the organization in February 2009. Prior to joining MVEDA, he served as Vice President of the New Mexico Partnership, the private economic development business attraction arm of the State of New Mexico which he joined at its inception in September 2003.
Mr. Lopez spent five years in corporate real estate with two of the largest Real Estate Investment Trusts in the U.S., General Growth Properties (GGP) and the Macerich Company (MACE), where he held roles as Director of New Business Development and Strategic Planning. He also spent two years in private business consulting advising smaller, high growth companies on their strategic initiatives and growth plans.
Mr. Lopez is a member of several national associations including the International Asset Management Council and the International Economic Development Council. He is also a board member and advisor to the New Mexico Partnership, Arrowhead Center at NMSU, the Las Cruces Greater Chamber of Commerce, and the Bridge of Southern New Mexico.
Mr. Lopez holds an MBA from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, San Diego.
Eric Montgomery, MVEDA Business Development Manager, received his Bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University and entered the public sector with the City of Las Cruces where he managed a grant funded program. While pursuing his MPA at New Mexico State University, he entered the private sector and was promoted to regional manager where he spent his time training and developing sales networks in the southwest United States. After graduating with his MPA, Eric began work with the City of Las Cruces’ Economic Development Department, where he specialized in outreach to current businesses and assisted in the relocation of new businesses to the area. He is a board member of the New Mexico Industrial Development Executives Association (NMIDEA). He is a member of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Space Committee and Military Affairs Committee.
Les Baldock, MVEDA Operations Manager, is a native New Mexican. Following a successful career in small business, Les relocated to Las Cruces in 1993. He spent 5-years with the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce as Director of Business Services and joined the MVEDA staff in June, 2000. He is a board member of the Bridge of Southern New Mexico and a member of the New Mexico Industrial Development Executives (NMIDEA).
Brian Garcia, MVEDA Research Analyst, received his Bachelor’s degree and MBA from New Mexico State University. Besides performing a wide variety of custom research, Brian develops custom proposal packets and operating cost comparisons for prospective companies. He is an affiliate member of the State Data Center’s Business & Industry Data Center Program.
Sandi Metz, MVEDA Executive Assistant, is a California native. In addition to managing the staff schedules, Sandi is also the office travel and special events coordinator. She brings 30-years of experience in federal government service, working with the military and the Department of Defense. Sandi joined MVEDA in July 2004.