SOCORRO, N.M. – The New Mexico Chile Association has announced Travis Day as the organization’s new executive director. In this role, Day will work to support and create a prosperous chile industry in New Mexico by promoting the state’s chile products to an international audience, advocating for the industry within the state and leading manufacturing and production innovation of chile products.

Day comes to the New Mexico Chile Association with an educational and work background in agriculture and natural resource management. Most recently, he served as the Natural Resource Director for the Sierra Soil and Water Conservation District in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. In this position, he planned, designed and installed conservation projects to address New Mexico agriculture and resource issues and managed project funds totaling over $2 million dollars.

“We’re excited to have Travis as part of the New Mexico Chile Association,” said Glen Duggins, President of the New Mexico Chile Association. “With the passion he carries for New Mexico and our chile, and with his extensive experience in the agricultural sector, we are eager to see all that he accomplishes in this role.”

Day is also involved in organizations such as the Sierra County Board of County Commissioners, Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Council, New Mexico and Arizona Coalition of Counties for Stable and Economic Growth and the Sierra County Farm and Livestock Bureau Board of Directors.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for farmers in New Mexico,” said Travis Day, Executive Director of the New Mexico Chile Association. “Growing up on a small farm in Sierra County, I understand and appreciate the effort that goes into producing chile and hope to create a support system to ensure that the local chile industry remains.”

El Defensor Chieftain