Welcome Justin Kíí Huenemann as President and CEO of New Mexico Foundation!

The New Mexico Foundation (NMF) is very pleased to announce the arrival of its new President and CEO, Justin Kíí Huenemann. Huenemann is a distinguished non-profit executive, previously having led several high-profile organizations, most recently the First Peoples Fund as President and CEO. He will bring his decades of expertise in working with marginalized communities to the NMF, the only Statewide Community Foundation in New Mexico.

“Justin’s broad experience with national foundations, nonprofit organizations and various government entities will help NMF continue to build statewide partnerships to address New Mexican’s needs,” said NMF Board President, Rosemary Romero. “We are thrilled to have someone at the helm with his organizational and outreach skills to help us grow and reach our full potential throughout the state and nationally.”

Throughout his career, Huenemann has worked across many sectors – from higher education and architecture to local government and entrepreneurship – driving powerful, locally-rooted solutions and building organizations that have generated impact and creative solutions within their communities. A true innovator, Huenemann was founding President and CEO of the Native American Community Development Institute, a groundbreaking organization in Minneapolis, MN that redefined Indigenous-led community and economic development in urban spaces.

His professional work has also included outstanding leadership as CEO of Jemez Enterprises, President and CEO of the Notah Begay III Foundation, championing the health and well-being of Native youth, and serving the Northwest Area Foundation, where he supported economic development across rural, urban and tribal communities in eight states.

Huenemann’s work has earned him notable recognition including the Minneapolis Mayor’s Healthy City Award and the Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce Bear Award. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota.

Huenemann’s formative years took place on the Navajo Nation, in Tsaile, AZ and Albuquerque, NM. He is a current resident of Rio Rancho, NM where he is the proud father of four.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the next President and CEO of the New Mexico Foundation,” said Huenemann. “This organization’s mission to uplift all residents of New Mexico—particularly those in rural, underserved, and Native communities—resonates deeply with my lifelong commitment to equity and community-driven change. I look forward to working alongside the Board, staff, partners, and communities across the state to build a more just, vibrant, and robust New Mexico for all.”