3 DECADES OF SERVICE HTRUST.COM ∙ 575.758.7700 ∙ NEW MEXICO Offices in Taos, Santa Fe & Albuquerque Helping New Mexico families fulfill lasting legacies. State-chartered, locally-owned trust company—devoted to families & advisors The NMBA Internship Program continues to be a great success. Special thanks to Liz Earls, who has been a fantastic leader for the program and continues to be its persistent champion. We continue to grow the program with the University of New Mexico and plan to expand the program to New Mexico State University next year. The NMBA had a very successful 2025 legislative session overall. Among the numerous legislative issues that we addressed was the proposed establishment of a state bank. Also, on the calendar was an AI regulation bill and an interchange proposal, none of which we supported. Once again, our lobbying team, led by John, was able to defeat those bills that had a probable negative impact on our industry. I am particularly proud of the NMBA’s decision to provide a scholarship to an emerging bank leader for the most recent session of the Southwest Graduate School of Banking. Our first recipient is Jason Garcia from Bank of the Southwest. From all reports, Jason was a real credit to his bank and the NMBA. Congratulations to Jason! I have enjoyed working with the NMBA staff planning our 113th Annual Convention at Sandia Resort. I revised the timing of some of the events, including golf and the annual dinner. I hope you enjoy. I am also pleased that Max Myers, Century Bank, will succeed me. Max is always the life of the party, and I know he will serve the NMBA with distinction and contribute significantly to its success. Last but not least, Debbie Schaefer, long-time NMBA member services/event planner, has announced that she will retire from the NMBA effective September 30, 2025. Debbie has consistently provided members, sponsors and vendors with wonderful conventions and other educational events. She will be missed. I personally want to wish all the best to her in retirement. I’m sure our members will join me in that salute. Again, thank you all for the opportunity to serve as the New Mexico Bankers Association president, and I want you to know that I will continue to serve the NMBA. 5
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