RCCDC chooses new director

PORTALES — The Roosevelt County Community Development Corporation has found a new executive director within the state.

William Hendrickson of Las Vegas, New Mexico, was chosen as the new executive director, according to a Wednesday press release by RCCDC. He starts to work on Monday, the release said.

RCCDC Board President Randy Knudson said Hendrickson’s “international background” and interest in economic development made him the best candidate.

“He had worked for a number of years for Lockheed Martin and for General Electric, has an international background, became interested in economic development and has a real passion for economic development in communities where he thinks he can provide assistance,” he said.

Hendrickson also stood out from the other candidates because of his enthusiasm and “his desire, really, just to be involved in economic development,” according to Knudson.

“He doesn’t need to be working but enjoys trying to give to communities, so we’re excited about having him on board,” he said. “He was in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and we heard nothing but positive things about his efforts there.”

Former Executive Director Orlando Ortega vacated the position earlier this month when he was hired as the “administrator of project advancement, planning and communication” for the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority.