Our Director

Santiago Chavez, Executive Director of the North Central New Mexico Development District is a native New Mexican and brings more than two decades of leadership in state and local government, finance, and public service. Most recently, served for over five years as a Director at the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, and led the Audit and Compliance Division, overseeing the administration of more than 40 tax programs. Prior to that, he directed the Property Tax Division, working closely with all counties across New Mexico to support and administer the Property Tax Code.
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Extensive career also includes key leadership positions in local government and statewide organizations, including:
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· Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief Administrative Officer to the Mayor of Albuquerque
· Director of Finance and Administrative Services for the New Mexico Association of Counties
· Municipal Treasurer/Finance Director at the Town of Bernalillo
· Staff at the New Mexico Finance Authority
In addition, Chavez has several years of corporate accounting experience with PNM and is a proud U.S. Army veteran, having served honorably in the 82nd Airborne Division.
A lifelong learner and leader, Chavez holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration as well as a Master’s in Accounting, all from the University of New Mexico.
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