Mark Roper presents at the Maxeon Solar announcement. Courtesy/EDD

EDD News:

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham named Mark Roper as Acting Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Department. 

Roper is a seventh-generation New Mexican with a long background in media, marketing, and public service, at both the state and community levels. He joined EDD in 2014 as a community, rural, and business development representative and was named Division Director for Economic Development in 2019. 

In addition to his work in economic development, Roper was a licensed electrician and HVAC mechanic and worked in radio marketing and communications. He also served as an elected city official in Raton and on the New Mexico Municipal League Board of Directors.  

At EDD, Roper has been involved in boosting development along New Mexico’s International Borderplex, he has helped recruit companies to New Mexico from Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, and Australia, and has been involved in some of the agency’s biggest deals – Facebook, Intel, Netflix, Universal Hydrogen, Maxeon Solar, and Hota Industrial. 

“The governor and lawmakers understand that New Mexico is at an economic crossroads,” Roper said, “We need to continue to diversify our economy and not only create jobs but create jobs with career paths to help all New Mexicans elevate and improve their position in life, which in turn will create economic security for future generations. We need to strategically invest in economic development, and I will continue to pursue this mission with passion and collaboration.”  

Roper is a native of Raton, a former resident of Roswell, and currently lives in Albuquerque. 

Roper succeeds Jon Clark, who has been named State Investment Officer and starts his new job with the New Mexico State Investment Council Jan. 22, 2024.