Staff

ACI’s staff has exceptional experience working with and in New Mexico government, giving us the expertise and influence we need to effect positive change in our state policies.

Rob Black

President & CEO

Born, and raised in New Mexico, Rob Black brings over eighteen years of experience and leadership in public policy, advocacy and economic development to his role as the President/CEO of the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry.

Prior to joining ACI, Black was Senior Director for Community Relations at Pacific Gas and Electric of California, one of the largest combined gas and electric utility companies in the country. During his tenure, he ran the company’s $28 million annual charitable and community initiatives, volunteer programs and professional sports sponsorships.

Black previously led the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, a 1,000 member nonprofit trade organization supporting the interests of the San Francisco Bay Area restaurant industry. Prior to that, Rob lobbied and advocated for the business community as the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s Vice President for Public Policy. Black also served on the board of directors for both SF Made, a non-profit organization working to build and support a vibrant manufacturing sector in San Francisco and SF Travel, San Francisco’s travel and tourism association.

Black holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of New Mexico (go Lobos!), and a juris doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Prior to his lobbying and advocacy work, Black worked internationally supporting democratic transitions in countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America and was the National Director for Special Projects for the Screen Actors Guild in Los Angeles.

David Peña

Director of Public Policy

Contact: dpena@nmaci.org

Having just wrapped up his role as field director on a winning congressional campaign, David brings both private and public sector experience to the role of directing ACI’s policy initiatives at the state and federal level. David has nine years of staff experience on the Tax & Revenue and Appropriation committees as well as legislative director for a member of the Senate Finance Committee during the 2018 legislative session.

In addition, David has worked as legislative director for a member of the Texas House of Representatives, helped establish a regional government relations department for a major public health organization, and has worked as a public affairs officer for the largest minority-owned independent bank in the US where he worked on federal banking, trade and immigration issues.

A graduate of St. Mary's University, with both his B.A. and M.A. in political science, he is a voracious non-fiction reader and foster parent for a three-legged cat named Rodha that he adopted from a Santa Fe based no-kill cat shelter.

Nicole Lucero

Director of Business Development and Member Relations

Contact: nlucero@nmaci.org

Nicole Lucero is an Albuquerque native. She studied political science and history at the University of New Mexico, and during her undergraduate studies, she interned at the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry. Upon the completion of her internship, Nicole was invited to begin her career with ACI. Outside of work, Nicole is working toward her master's in public administration at the University of New Mexico.

Janae Amparan

Administrative Coordinator

Contact: jamparan@nmaci.org

Janae Amparan is currently a student at the University of New Mexico working towards a degree in Communication. Born and raised in Albuquerque, she has a deep admiration for her hometown and its characteristics. Upon graduation Janae would love to continue exploring New Mexico and what it has to offer. Outside of school, Janae enjoys creating new experiences for growth as well as traveling.

Selah Cantwell

Policy Intern

Contact: intern@nmaci.org