Heather Balas Selected to Lead New Mexico First

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, September 1, 2006 -- New Mexico First today announced that Heather Balas has become president and executive director of the statewide organization.

“We are pleased to have Heather take over the leadership of our organization,” said Bill Garcia, chair of New Mexico First’s 38-member board of directors made up of civic and business leaders from throughout the state. “Her long commitment to civic engagement allows her to offer some interesting possibilities to the organization and to the state.”

Balas, who has served as the associate director of New Mexico First, has been responsible for research and town hall management during the past year. During that time, she either directed or supported six town hall forums convened by New Mexico First. “A healthy democracy is one of my basic ethical principles,” says Balas, “and that’s only possible when citizens participate actively in the process. I’m delighted to lead an organization that is grounded in these principles.”

Balas’ priorities for the organization include continuing the work on youth involvement through the new Tomorrow’s Leaders program and increasing participation from New Mexico’s small and medium sized towns. “I grew up in Portales on a peanut farm, so I know how much of New Mexico’s life happens outside the Rio Grande corridor,” says Balas. She is looking forward to continuing the legacy of New Mexico First, built over the past two decades of bringing people together.

Before joining New Mexico First in 2005, Balas worked with the Commission on Presidential Debates, California Center for Civic Participation, and Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Balas holds a master’s in Political Communication from the University of Maryland and a bachelors from Eastern New Mexico University.

New Mexico First was founded in 1986 by Senators Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman to bring citizens of diverse backgrounds together to work on significant state issues. Since then, New Mexico First has convened nearly 40 Town Halls involving more than 6,000 participants who addressed issues ranging from taxes to water, healthcare, education, economic development, energy, and tribal relations.