Learn About the Commission – New Mexico Music Commission

Welcome to the New Mexico Music Commission.

The New Mexico Music Commission (NMMC) consists of a cross-section of New Mexico citizens representing all facets of our state’s unique and diverse music industry. As is befitting of New Mexico, the commission embraces and reflects all musical genres gracing our state’s multicultural tableau.

You can read our statute and bylaws by clicking these links.

History

2005 The New Mexico Music Commission was created by Executive Order of Governor Bill Richardson. Richardson appointed Lee Berk chair, Nancy Laflin executive director, and appropriated a commission budget of approximately $175,000, which included Ms. Laflin’s salary and benefits package. The executive order administratively attached the Commission to New Mexico Arts, the State Arts agency, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

2009 The commission was codified into state law by the New Mexico legislature under a bill introduced by Albuquerque Representative Al Park, after passing unanimously in both the House and Senate. Known as the Music Commission Act (Sections 18-16-1 through 18-16-4 NMSA 1978, being Laws 2009, Chapter 13, Sections 1 through 4). A partner bill to procure a permanent budget and executive director position for the commission was not initiated.

2012 The commission’s budget and executive director position expired at the end of Governor Richardson’s term. The New Mexico Music Commission Foundation was created by commission chair Lee Berk and David Schwartz (the foundation’s inaugural president) to garner private sector support for commission initiatives in an effort to offset the loss of state funding.

2014 The Legislature allocated funding for a part-time music commission administrator.

2020 Governor Lujan Grisham appointed 12 new commissioners, reappointed 1 commissioner, and appointed Carlos Medina as commission chair.

2021 Governor Lujan Grisham appointed the commission’s 15th commissioner, marking the first time in over a decade the music commission is fully seated.

Governor

2003-2011 Bill Richardson
2011-2019 Susana Martinez
2019-present Michelle Lujan Grisham

Commission Chair

2005-2013 Lee Berk appointed by Governor Richardson
2013-2016 David Schwartz appointed by Governor Martinez
2016-2017 Dan Stoddard Vice Chair / Acting Chair elected by commissioners
2017-2020 Melissa Sanchez Vice Chair / Acting Chair elected by commissioners
2020-present Carlos Medina appointed by Governor Lujan Grisham

Commission Staff

2005-2011 Nancy Laflin Executive Director
2015-2022 Thomas Goodrich Administrator (part-time)
2023-present Katherine Bruell (part-time)

Mission

To protect, promote, and preserve the musical traditions of New Mexico, to foster appreciation of the value of music, and to encourage the educational, creative and professional musical activities of the residents of New Mexico.

Public Meetings

Meeting commence every January, April, July, and October on the second Tuesday of the month from 1-3pm mountain time by Zoom. They are open to the public and admission is free. To receive the Zoom link for a meeting, please contact Katherine Bruell at katherine.bruell@dca.nm.gov or 505-487-0519.

2023 Meeting Dates

31 January 11 April 11 July 10 October

2022 Meeting Dates

11 January 12 April 12 July 11 October

Meeting Agendas

January 2023 April 2023 July 2023 October 2023

January 2022 April 2022 July 2022 October 2022

January 2021 April 2021 July 2021 October 2021

February 2020(1) May 2020(2) August 2020(2) November 2020

February 2019 April 2019 June 2019(1) August 2019 November 2019(1)

February 2018 April 2018 June 2018 August 2018 November 2018

January 2017 March 2017 May 2017 July 2017 November 2017