NMDOT and EDD hire senior investment advisor for foreign trade investments
NEW MEXICO – The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) announced that Joe De La Rosa, the head of special projects with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), will work for both agencies.
De La Rosa will remain with NMDOT, working closely with Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna, and will now assume a new title and job description with Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes.
The new De La Rosa official will work to strengthen the connection between transportation and infrastructure projects in support of global trade and economic growth.
EDD reported that expanding New Mexico’s global trade profile based on significant infrastructure investments made in recent years is a high priority for both agencies, which is why the departments have identified global trade as one of nine target industries in the state for job growth and investment.
“Joseph De La Rosa and the Department of Economic Development have been working closely to build binational relationships with our partners in Chihuahua and Mexico City. We see unprecedented opportunities to develop the international border into a sustainable and environmentally friendly place for families to live and work,” Keyes said.
“State agencies may be separated by department titles and general focus, but we are all working for the betterment of New Mexicans,” said Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role for two of the most dynamic departments in state government. I look forward to working with our public and private sector partners to ensure that we effectively utilize our resources to continue to expand our growing economy,” stated De La Rosa.
As part of the goals, consolidating the relationship between transportation infrastructure investments and economic development strategies was noted as a necessity to take advantage of the opportunities created by a generational shift in global geopolitics, the shift from global to regional supply chains, and the transition from fossil fuels to electrification of the transportation system.
Since 2019, New Mexico has seen investments in transportation infrastructure associated with economic development and growth throughout the state. At the same time, the Borderplex region has emerged as a key manufacturing and logistics hub for several global electronics companies. These companies, and many others currently exploring the area, require a higher level of infrastructure investment to support the relocation of extensive supply chains.
De La Rosa will serve as the state’s primary point of contact for global trade issues and will support Secretary Keyes as chairman of the New Mexico Border Authority, providing oversight and guidance to implement changes and increase productivity. In addition, he will advance both agencies by developing joint strategies and policies to expedite project development.
De La Rosa is fluent in Spanish and grew up in Las Cruces. He has worked in state government for more than a decade. He also worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce and holds a B.A. from the University of Arizona and a J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law.