Regional Champions

Over the years, the Northwest NM Council of Governments has honored Regional Champions at its Annual Luncheon.
Regional champions are individuals who have resided with purpose to make the region better.
They understand the COG's bottom line values:

What benefits one community makes another community better and the region stronger;
Together we can build a brighter future than going it alone faster;
Thinking regionally, and acting locally.,. and also thinking locally and acting regionally.
We are stronger together in cooperation than the sum of our parts in competition.

Champions must demonstrate regional leadership, collaboration and service to Northwest New Mexico by fostering partnerships with COG and local communities. Champions will also demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of life, economy, environment and overall development of the region. Typically, Regional Champions are selected from each county area and sometimes one at-large that has supported our region from outside it.

The first award was bestowed on Ron Morsbach in 2005.

It was not awarded again until 2010 until the retirement of long-time Executive Director Patty Lundstrom. After that it became a highlight of the Annual Luncheon and the COG Board selected a Regional Champion from each County area and sometimes a partner from an outside agency.

In 2019, it was bestowed to Jeff Kiely after his retirement as Executive Director in April 2019.

In 2020, the late Dr. Senator John Pinto was also honored as the sole Regional Champion. In the wake of COVID-19, the COG postponed its Annual Luncheon but felt that Senator John Pinto's spirit was important during those turbulent times.

Submit a nomination today!