SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Association of REALTORS (NMAR) has announced the appointment of David C. Saavedra, MPA, as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive national search and selection process.
A native of Grants, New Mexico, Saavedra represents a new generation of leadership in real estate — one that combines fresh perspective with proven experience in policy, advocacy, and organizational management. He has served as NMAR’s Interim CEO since July 2025, and previously led the Association’s Advocacy and Member Initiatives Office. “Since his appointment, David has exemplified NMAR’s leadership and deep understanding of New Mexico’s policy landscape make him the ideal choice to lead NMAR into its next chapter,” said Dan Coleman, 2025 NMAR President. “He blends the steady hand of experience with the progressive vision that our industry needs as it thrives in a changing marketplace.”
Prior to joining NMAR, Saavedra served as a Fiscal and Policy Analyst for the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee and as the Director of Government Relations at the Graduate and Professional Student Association at the University of New Mexico, where he successfully drafted and secured the passage of bills that expanded student scholarships and research grants.
Saavedra holds a Master of Public Administration with concentrations in Public Relations and Public Budgeting and Finance from the University of New Mexico’s School of Public Administration. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Criminology from UNM. In addition to his government and association work, Saavedra previously served as a Senior Policy Analyst and Researcher with the Southwest Policy Institute, where he authored several published reports on local economic development, tax policy, and housing trends.
“I’m honored to lead an organization that has such a vital role in shaping opportunity and homeownership across New Mexico,” said Saavedra. “Our members are leaders in their communities, and my goal is to ensure NMAR continues to empower them through advocacy, innovation, and service by meeting tomorrow’s challenges today.”
About NMAR
The New Mexico Association of REALTORS (NMAR) is the state’s largest professional association representing more than 7,000 commercial and residential real estate practitioners. NMAR supports its members through education, advocacy, and professional standards, and promotes the highest level of ethical conduct, homeownership, private property rights, and a thriving real estate industry in the Land of Enchantment.