THE 25 Most Influential NEW MEXICANS in the past 25 years

New Mexico Business Journal, Feb, 2001

Who are the people in the past quartercentury who have helped to shape this vast, underpopulated, sometimes perverse but always fascinating state we call New Mexico? We are not where we are today as a result of accidents or luck (although they can sometimes play a part). Men and women make history and forge our future.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the New Mexico Business Journal, the editors reviewed the past quarter-century of major issues and events and identified those 25 individuals who have had the most important influence on the fortunes of their state. We called upon the members of the five Leadership New Mexico classes to help us by nominating them. Their suggestions have been valuable but the final selection is the judgment of the editors.

We did not confine our selections to members of the business community, per se, believing that leaders in other realms have had lasting influence in shaping New Mexico. This list, in the the final analysis, is subjective. Tour list may differ, and so we welcome your comments and suggestions. Some of the choices are obvious, others less so since people with influence may not routinely make the headlines, preferring to stay behind the scenes. We've tried to take the long view, but looking back over the past 25 years.

The individuals are not listed in any order (you may wish to rank them). Their names will be published in the Business Journal over the next several months.

We salute them all and honor their remarkable contributions to a remarkable state.

Bruce King

You can't talk about New Mexico politics without a lengthy discourse on Bruce King, the state's longest seated governor. An amiable Democrat who lives by the credo, "we can disagree without being disagreeable," King was the quintessential moderate who is still appreciated for his leadership on education, children's issues, and economic development.

Larry Willard

President and ceo of Wells Fargo Bank New Mexico, now the state's largest, Willard has been a vigorous voice for economic development and job growth and is currently co-chairman of Albuquerque's New Economy Initiative. He has been an engaged participant in numerous community endeavors as well as a prominent philanthropist.

Calvin Horn

Businessman, UNM regent, church leader, and publisher, Calvin Horn was one of the state's most prominent figures through the 1980s. He founded the Noon Day Mission at First Baptist Church in Albuquerque and led the UNM regents through some tumultuous decades of student unrest and institutional growth.

Wendell Chino

The elected leader of the Mescalero Apaches for 43 years, Chino (1924-1998) was an ordained minister and a passionate advocate of tribal sovereignty and economic independence for his people. His energy and iron will created major industry on the reservation. He can rightfully be called the father of Indian gaming in New Mexico.

John Crosby

Crosby founded the acclaimed Santa Fe Opera in 1957 and was it director until 2000. During his tenure more than 1,500 performances of 118 operas were presented and the Opera itself became the state's most important cultural attraction. In 1998, he oversaw the construction of the Opera's new multimillion-dollar theater.

Pete Domenici

Now serving his fifth term in the U.S. Senate, Domenici is unquestionably one of that body's most powerful members. He is an effective proponent of the national laboratories, has secured billions of federal funds for his state, and is also a strong advocate of statewide economic development, especially in the rural areas. Domenici gets things done.