Sherman McCorkle - Lifetime of Leadership Award
Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance has announced the honorees for the fourth annual 505 Awards, which recognize organizations and individuals that are making exceptional contributions to economic growth and prosperity in the greater Albuquerque region, resulting in improvements to its overall economic strength and competitive position.
This award recognizes an individual whose ongoing commitment to economic development has made a significant and lasting impact on the Albuquerque metro area. This individual must have a demonstrated history of supporting and implementing economic development initiatives in the Albuquerque metro area over a minimum period of 15 years; must be a positive role model in the community; and must have a track record of executing projects that create jobs, diversify the region’s economy and spur investment in the state.
The 2022 Lifetime of Leadership Award recipient is no stranger to supporting economic growth in the region. Sherman McCorkle has dedicated his career to economic development in New Mexico. He currently serves as the Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Sandia Science & Technology Park Development Corporation, Partner of New Mexico venture capital firm, OneTen Capital, founding member of Kirtland Partnership Committee, and is active on many community boards.
Few New Mexicans can claim the number of achievements as the man whose impact and legacy have enhanced more lives and businesses in New Mexico by contributing greatly to job creation and economic development than Sherman McCorkle. Without him, major initiatives and infrastructure development that drive our economy today such as the CNM workforce training center, the New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NMMEP), Technology Ventures Corporation to accelerate technology startups in partnership with Sandia National Laboratories, and the protection in 1995 of Kirtland Air Force Base from Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) — saving tens of thousands of military jobs and thousands of aligned contractor jobs in New Mexico — would not have been possible.
“As a native New Mexican, it has been my mission to move the needle on economic development in our state. I am honored to lead and contribute in the creation of quality, highwage jobs so that future generations may prosper from these efforts.” This award is sponsored by PNM Resources.
“We are tremendously grateful for the leadership that Sherman has exhibited across the state of New Mexico, as a staunch advocate for regional partnerships and support for Kirtland Air Force Base as a major economic driver,” noted Don Tarry, President and Chief Operating Officer for PNM Resources. The awards will be bestowed in person at AREA’s signature event, the Annual Dinner and 505 Awards which will take place November 17 from 5 – 9 p.m. at Sandia Resort. This year’s theme is “Taking Flight” – a nod to the significant industry presence and opportunity for the region in aerospace and defense but also a recognition that AREA’s strategic plan and shift to a more regionally inclusive approach to economic development is taking flight and gaining momentum as well.
To attend the 2022 Annual Dinner and 505 Awards, where honorees will be recognized, or for more information on awards categories, eligibility requirements or judging criteria, visit www.abq.org/505Awards/.
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About AREA
The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is leads and executes strategies designed to grow and diversify the economic base of the greater Albuquerque region, creating a prosperous, diverse and inclusive economy and elevating the standard of living for all. AREA provides confidential assistance to businesses considering the area for expansion and new investment. Since its creation in 1960, AREA has recruited more than 250 companies and more than 35,000 jobs to the Albuquerque metro area. AREA also provides retention and expansion assistance to existing industry. For more information, visit ABQ.org. ###