BusinessPerson of the Year 2025 | Hispanic Heritage Awards
October 1, 2026
Paul Chavez, a lifelong Albuquerque native, grew up in the family business — Apache Construction/Valley Fence — starting work as soon as he could reach the tool bench. A graduate of Sandia View Academy, he credits the school with helping guide him away from negative paths and toward purpose. After attending UNM, Paul officially committed to the family company, where he has proudly served the South Valley community and maintained strong involvement with the Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Married to his wife Angela since 1976, with children and grandchildren he adores, Paul is now transitioning the business to the next generation — including his son Tyler — and looking forward to retirement filled with travel, family time, and the occasional improved golf swing.
Tyler Chavez is a proud graduate of Southwestern Adventist University, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2011 and MBA in 2013, the same year he married his wife, Taylor. Together they are raising their son, Henry, and hoping to grow their family. Tyler joined Valley Fence full-time in 2013 and became General Manager in 2018, honored to continue the legacy established by his father, Paul, as a third-generation leader in the making. He has also been an active member of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce executive board since 2021 and remains committed to supporting the chamber and the community it serves.
The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors selects Roberta Ricci as its President & Chief Executive Officer. Ricci brings a proven record of partnership-building and innovation as she takes the helm of one of the nation’s premier Hispanic chambers of commerce. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — July 13, 2026 The Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce (Hispano Chamber) selects Roberta Ricci as its new President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 20, 2026. Ricci succeeds Ernie C’de Baca, whose leadership strengthened the Hispano Chamber’s role as one of the nation’s premier Hispanic business organizations and advanced its mission of supporting New Mexico’s business community. Ricci’s appointment marks a new chapter of leadership focused on expanding economic opportunities and strengthening businesses throughout the state. "Having just celebrated 50 years of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce's positive impact on the community, we look forward to Roberta leading our Chamber into its next chapter with vision and strong commitment to our business community," said Casey Anglada DeRaad, Chair of the Hispano Chamber's Board. "She deeply understands our members' needs and has a proven track record of building the meaningful relationships that create lasting impact." Ricci has served as the Hispano Chamber's Chief Experience Officer (CXO) for the past four years, where she has played a key role in increasing revenue, enhancing member engagement, developing strategic partnerships, and elevating the Hispano Chamber's programs and events. Her extensive experience in community engagement, nonprofit leadership, and business development has helped position the Chamber as one of New Mexico's leading advocates for the business community throughout our state. “I couldn’t be more excited to see Roberta Ricci continue the important work of the Hispano Chamber,” said Ernie C’de Baca. “She knows this organization, understands our mission, and has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for businesses and our community. I have every confidence she will lead the Hispano Chamber to even greater success, and I look forward to seeing all that she and the team will accomplish together.” As President and CEO, Ricci will lead the Hispano Chamber's strategic initiatives to support entrepreneurs and small businesses, advocate for pro-business policies, strengthen partnerships with public and private sector leaders, and expand opportunities for businesses of all sizes throughout the Albuquerque region and across New Mexico. Prior to joining the Hispano Chamber, Ricci served as Executive Director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, where she led all operational and strategic functions of a $1M+ organization and built a powerful reputation for driving collaboration, strengthening community partnerships, and designing innovative cultural and educational programs while expanding donor support and elevating its national visibility and impact. "I am honored to serve as President and CEO of the Hispano Chamber," said Ricci. "For five decades, the Chamber has been a champion for Hispanic and small businesses. I look forward to working alongside our members, board of directors, community partners, and elected leaders to continue building a stronger, more inclusive economy where businesses of every size can thrive."
The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly celebrated the next generation of leaders on June 4, 2026, awarding approximately $162,000 in scholarships to 132 students from across New Mexico through its Excellence in Education Scholarship Program. Now in its 39th year, the program has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships, helping students pursue higher education while investing in the future of New Mexico's workforce, businesses, and communities. Education has long been at the heart of the Chamber's mission. Through the support of Chamber members, corporate partners, and community leaders, the Foundation continues to create opportunities for students to achieve their academic and professional goals. "The backbone of America's economy is made up of small to mid-size businesses. Businesses of the future will be dreamed up by the students we help today," said Ernie C'deBaca, President and CEO of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. "We stand on the path left to us by our Chamber's founders, and that path was forged in education and supporting young leaders." Scholarship funding is made possible through the Foundation's annual Golf Classic fundraiser, where proceeds directly support student scholarships. The Foundation's Education Committee, chaired by Michael Archibeque, reviewed more than 175 applications and selected this year's recipients based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and future aspirations. The Excellence in Education Scholarship Program is strengthened each year through the generosity of sponsors who share the Chamber's commitment to student success. This year's event was sponsored by Larry A. Chavez, alongside dozens of scholarship sponsors representing businesses, organizations, and individuals from across New Mexico. In addition to traditional scholarships, the Foundation honored the legacies of several distinguished Chamber leaders through memorial scholarships awarded in the names of Jennifer Riordan, Loretta Armenta, Ken Sanchez, Carlo Lucero, and Shelia Garcia. These scholarships recognize students who embody the values of leadership, service, and dedication to community that each of these individuals exemplified. As the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber Foundation continues its mission of supporting educational advancement, the impact of this year's scholarship recipients will extend far beyond the classroom. These students represent the future innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who will help shape New Mexico for generations to come. Relive the celebration and view photos from the 2026 Excellence in Education Scholarship Awards Ceremony in our online photo gallery.