Every year the Las Cruces Sun News names movers and shakers – people who will shape the community in the coming year. This year we’re proud to have a diverse selection of community members who will hit the headlines in 2022.
These men and women bring bold ideas to the table and cover just about every sector: business, government, sports, education, law enforcement, entertainment. Most are long-time residents, although one has moved here in recent months.
We have dedicated detailed stories to every mover and shaker. Click “Read More” after each paragraph to see how they make a difference.
Nicole Martinez
Managing Director of the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope | Nicole Martinez has been addressing homelessness and the associated needy needy in the community for a decade. With a $ 2.5 million grant available, you can expect that effort to go into hyperdrive. Continue reading.
Slim whitlock
Hatch Mayor | James “Slim” Whitlock, a longtime resident and administrator of the Hatch Valley, is best known as a local grocery store owner. In November he was elected mayor. He has some great ideas for this little village. Continue reading.
Morgan Switzerland
Mesilla business owner and Experience Mesilla founder | Going to Mesilla is a treat for many in Las Cruces, a place to take away guests from out of town or to visit while on vacation. Morgan Switzer wants to change that way of thinking. Going to Mesilla should be addicting and routine, she says. Continue reading.
Jerry Kill
New Mexico State University soccer coach | It’s rare for the state of New Mexico to spawn a bowl-bound soccer team, and insane new head coach Jerry Kill takes on the challenge. Kill has managed to turn lost programs into winners on the field many times and expects to do the same at Las Cruces. Continue reading.
Kiri Daines
Deputy Head of Investigation and Support Services for the Las Cruces Police Department | Kiri Daines prefers the term “evolve” to “reform” when talking about changes in law enforcement. She said that reform means that something is broken, which is not necessarily what she sees it. Continue reading.
Jonathon Sepp
Movie Las Cruces movie link | Movie stars Mel Gibson and Bruce Willis were likely to be in Las Cruces on the same day in 2021, each filming separate projects in town. Jonathon Sepp advises this is just the beginning. Las Cruces could be a Hollywood hotspot in 2022 and beyond. Continue reading.
Wendi Miller-Tomlinson
Deputy Superintendent for Teaching, Learning and Research at Las Cruces Public Schools | Wendi Miller-Tomlinson says there are some “hot topics” in the standards of the social sciences. That’s an understatement. Miller-Tomlinson has helped shape the nationwide revision of the standards and will be at the forefront of how the local district translates these standards into lesson plans. Continue reading.
Scott McLaughlin
Executive Director of Spaceport America | It could be argued that no other business is as critical to the continued economic success of southern New Mexico as the aerospace industry. Scott McLaughlin, a Mayfield and New Mexico State graduate, is the main litigant on this matter. Continue reading.
Loretta pineapple
Managing Director of the Mesilla Valley Mall | COVID-19 and related economic uncertainties took their toll on shopping malls across the country. However, the Mesilla Valley Mall has maintained – if not increased – pedestrian traffic amid the pandemic. Loretta Piña chose a local and green company last year to improve the shopping experience. Continue reading.
Xavier Hall
PurLife National Head of Retail Business | Xavier Hall made his name on the soccer field during high school and college in Las Cruces. Now the former running back hopes to take New Mexico’s fledgling cannabis industry to great heights. Continue reading.
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