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Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ernie C’deBaca plans to retire after nearly 10 years of leading the local business organization.

C’deBaca announced the decision in a Monday letter addressed to the chamber’s board staff and community partners, writing that the decision “was not an easy one.”

“This is the best job,” C’deBaca said in an interview. “We bring in such amazing folks here to the chamber and to Albuquerque and New Mexico — it’s really hard to give up a role like that. But at the same time, I’m 72 years old. I want to spend a little more time with my family.”

The announcement follows the chamber’s 50th year supporting Albuquerque entrepreneurs and businesses, particularly in the Hispanic and small-business communities. Community advocacy, economic development, networking and training are among the organization’s focuses and available resources.

C’deBaca became the chamber’s vice president of convention and tourism in 2016, following decades working for the Public Service Company of New Mexico. He previously served as a board member and chair and was drawn to the organization’s small-business work.

“We’re so vital in the community,” C’deBaca said. “I just always enjoyed being around this chamber because we really try to help grow and scale small businesses.”

It wasn’t long before C’deBaca stepped into the chamber’s top role as CEO in 2017.

Looking back, C’deBaca said the COVID-19 pandemic was the most challenging time for the chamber during his reign as CEO.

Accomplishments he’s proud of include the quality of the chamber’s annual awards gala, and bringing events like the World Indigenous Business Forum to Albuquerque in 2024 and the ����������ϼ� States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Energy Summit to Santa Fe later this month.

Casey Anglada DeRaad, the chamber’s board chair, expressed appreciation for C’deBaca and his contributions to the organization on Monday.

“During his tenure, he has helped strengthen the chamber’s foundation, deepen relationships across the business and community landscape, and advance its mission to support economic opportunity throughout our region,” said DeRaad, also the founder of NewSpace Nexus.

With the team the chamber currently has in place, C’deBaca said he’s confident his successor — the board said a search is underway — will continue the momentum. In his letter, C’deBaca said he aims to step away from the role at the end of June but is flexible on timing “to ensure continuity.”

But C’deBaca doesn’t appear to be done working with the community. In addition to spending more time with family, C’deBaca said his retirement from the chamber will allow him to do a different kind of promotional work for New Mexico.

“I’m not going away,” C’deBaca said. “My goal is to really expose New Mexico to other folks that may not realize our potential, so I’m going to work with some other folks in an effort to do that.”

C’deBaca said that venture is “not fully baked,” so he couldn’t share more but said it’s an effort to “get people from out of state to come here to New Mexico and invest.”

C’deBaca expressed gratitude for what his time with the chamber offered him.

“I got to see things in a different light and really enjoy the effort that small businesses take to be successful,” C’deBaca said. “I’m blessed.”

Kylie Garcia covers retail and real estate for the Journal. You can reach her at kgarcia@abqjournal.com.