SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate today unanimously confirmed Rob Black as the cabinet secretary for the Economic Development Department.

"Sec. Black understands that expanding economic security starts with creating high-quality jobs," Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. "Rob is proving that his broad experience and consensus-building skills will grow our economy and expand opportunity in all corners of the state."

Born and raised in Lovington, Black graduated from the University of New Mexico and the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco.

"For many years, I have worked closely with Rob Black to expand early childhood education, improve access to broadband internet, and grow high-paying jobs in all corners of the state," Sen. Michael Padilla Majority Whip said. "He has been working tirelessly throughout this session on advancing strategic economic development initiatives that will diversify the economy and further improve the lives of New Mexico families. On behalf of the people of New Mexico and the New Mexico Senate, it was an honor to sponsor this appointment and I congratulate him on confirmation as Cabinet Secretary of the Economic Development Department."

"I am humbled by the support of the Legislature, Gov. Lujan Grisham, and the people of New Mexico," Secretary Black said. "It is an honor to lead a team of dedicated professionals whose mission is to create pathways to prosperity for all New Mexico families."

Most recently, Black served as the president & CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, where he led the statewide business leadership and advocacy organization of more than 500 members. During his tenure at the New Mexico Chamber, Black launched the NMCEO, a foundation that partners with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions to run Be Pro Be Proud, a statewide Career and Technical Education engagement program as well as the New Mexico Organized Retail Crime Association.

Prior to his work at the chamber, Black was senior director of community relations and managed the foundation for Pacific Gas and Electric Company, one of the largest combined electric and gas utilities in the United States.

Black also has an extensive background in public policy, having worked as a legislative aide in San Francisco and as an attorney specializing in campaign, lobby, and ethics laws. His global experience includes working with The Carter Center in Liberia and directing a USAID grant to support electoral and legislative processes in South Africa, Zambia and Cambodia. He also ran the Special Projects Department for the Screen Actors Guild, assisting with contract negotiations between the Guild and the Motion Picture Association of America.