Cabinet Secretary Fred MondragÓn
Cabinet Secretary Fred Mondragón
New Mexico Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Fred Mondragón brings over 36 years of visionary leadership to his post. A native of New Mexico, Mondragón was nominated Secretary Designate by Governor Bill Richardson in May 2007, and was confirmed Secretary by unanimous vote by the full New Mexico State Senate in February of 2008.
The Secretary’s Presentations
Photo Gallery of the Secretary
Department Successes
As Secretary, Mondragón has overseen an impressive array of projects, each making significant contributions to the economic growth of New Mexico. These successes include:
- GA-Solar- A $1 billion investment from the Spanish company to build a 300MW solar array in Guadalupe County. This will be one of the biggest solar projects in the world, employing 300 during construction and 75 full time operators.
- Tres Amigas Superstation- connecting the three largest US power grids to transfer power across the country. Will also become the nation’s largest renewable energy hub. 200 construction, 50 permanent jobs.
- Hewlett Packard- Building a customer service and technology support center in Albuquerque, employing over 1,300.
- SCHOTT AG- The German Solar giant established a manufacturing plant in Albuquerque creating 1,800 jobs.
- Fidelity Investments- The financial firm plans 1,250 new jobs in their Albuquerque operations center.
- Solar Distinction, Inc.- Creating a solar panel plant in Albuquerque employing 300, with up to 500 potential planned jobs.
- Johnson Plate and Tower- Creating a wind tower manufacturing plant employing 155 in Santa Teresa.
- Proper Foods- This 18-year Deming business was almost forced to shut its doors, but intervention by the Economic Development Department helped save 92 jobs, with future plans for 50 to 100 additional jobs.
Department Goals
In order to achieve his goal of successful and sustained economic growth for the State of New Mexico, Secretary Mondragón has identified the following key areas as priorities and is striving to develop programs to target their needs:
- Rural Economic Development
- Technology Based Economic Development
- Community Development and Capacity Building
- Film and Media Expansion
- International trade and Foreign Direct Investments
- Spaceport America
- Tribal Economic Development
- Small Business Support Programs
- Private and Public Partnerships
Boards and Chairmanships
In addition to his duties as Secretary, Mondragón has been appointed by Governor Richardson to sit on a variety of committees, including:
- Chairman of the Green Jobs Cabinet, overseeing the creation of the Green Jobs Cabinet report and executing the Governor’s Executive Order to enact forward thinking renewable energy polices.
- Chairman of the Border Authority
- Board member and treasurer of the New Mexico Computing Application Center
- He is also a member of the New Mexico Finance Authority Board
His Career
Prior to being named Secretary, Mondragón served in a variety of positions. While at the Office of Economic Development for the City of Albuquerque he led the expansion or recruitment of several dynamic entities, including Albuquerque Studios and Verizon Wireless.
His resume also includes:
- Serving as the Chief Executive Officer (administrator) of the University of New Mexico Hospital
- Serving three terms in the New Mexico House of Representatives representing Albuquerque’s District 16. While serving in the Legislature, he specialized in tax issues, health care concerns, economic development, and higher education.
- He was a member of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee.
- Served as Science Advisor to the Governor.
- Was the founding chairman of the Governor’s Science and Technology Commission.
- Was the first Chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee.
- As CEO of Fred Mondragón and Associates, he specialized in technology transfer and changes to federal policies that make it simpler for businesses and government laboratories.
Education
Mr. Mondragón attended the University of New Mexico where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with a minor in English Literature.
He continued his graduate level education at George Washington University, where he received a MBA in Healthcare Administration.
In his spare time, the Secretary enjoys expanding his horizons with international travel, spending time in his garden, entertaining guests, and visiting with his 7 children and 15 grandchildren.