Los Lunas Village Councilor Cruz Munoz appointed to chairman of AREA Public Advisory Committee

LOS LUNAS — Los Lunas Village Councilor Cruz Munoz has accepted the role of chairman for the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) Public Sector Advisory Committee.

This committee, comprised of elected officials from the greater metro area (Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance and Valencia counties), provides an open platform for discussing local economic development priorities and aligning on regional issues that drive economic success across Central New Mexico. As part of this new role, Councilor Munoz will also join the esteemed AREA Board of Directors, which is made up of 42 economic development executives, including prominent local landowner Ruth Huning-Gonzales, who joined the board in 2024.

AREA’s Board of Directors governs the organization and includes influential business and community leaders representing a wide range of industries throughout the Albuquerque metro area. Councilor Munoz has served as the village councilor for District 3 since Feb. 21, 2019.

A lifelong resident of Los Lunas, he is a 1965 graduate of Los Lunas High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in management (BSM) from the University of Phoenix. He brings extensive leadership experience, having served as branch manager at Daimler Chrysler, sales manager at JP Morgan Chase Bank and in his current role with Mountain America Credit Union.

As chairman of the AREA Public Advisory Committee, Councilor Munoz will work to enhance collaboration among local governments, ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of the greater Albuquerque metro area.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve my community and to lead the Public Sector Advisory Committee,” said Councilor Munoz. “The village of Los Lunas has become a key player in central New Mexico’s tech, manufacturing and logistics ecosystem. As we continue to grow, it’s crucial that we work together to create a sustainable future with top-tier infrastructure, employment, and economic opportunities.”

Victoria Archuleta, senior economic developer for the village of Los Lunas and vice chairwoman for the AREA Economic Development Professionals Committee, expressed her enthusiasm for Councilor Munoz’s new role.

“Councilor Munoz has been a champion for our community’s local businesses and overall economic growth,” Archuleta said. “His appointment as chair of the Public Advisory Committee and new seat on the AREA Board of Directors, will be instrumental in continuing to drive development in Valencia County.”

Councilor Munoz has been married to Cathy Wortman Munoz for 52 years and is the proud father of three daughters, Monica Clarke, Kathleen Griego and Kristy Jimenez. He is also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The AREA Public Sector Advisory Committee is a collaborative group of local elected leaders who meet annually to discuss economic priorities, regional challenges, and the continued growth of the Albuquerque metro area.

As chairman, Munoz will play an instrumental role in shaping the direction of the committee and advocating for the future of central New Mexico’s economy.