Jan. 9—There's a new director for the city of Albuquerque's Economic Development Department.

Mayor Tim Keller's office announced Monday that Max Gruner, who has served in the state's Economic Development Department and played a role in large-scale economic development projects across the state, has been appointed to the full-time director position with the city.

Gruner will begin in his new role starting Jan. 17, a spokesperson with the mayor's office confirmed.

"I am grateful to be able to serve my hometown in this role," Gruner said in a statement. "... I look forward to collaborating with the business community, the nonprofit sector, education and workforce partners, as well as other city departments, the county, and state to foster and grow economic opportunity in our city. I believe in Albuquerque, and in our bright future together."

According to the mayor's office, Gruner has "extensive background and community development, with over 25 years of leadership in organizations that help people, strengthen communities and improve economies." That includes having worked with the state's Economic Development Department as a regional representative for Bernalillo, Valencia and Torrance counties; as a tribal liaison under EDD Secretary Alicia J. Keyes for a year; and, most recently, as a statewide Native American coordinator for EDD.

He worked previously as executive director for East Boston Main Streets and was the founding president of the Massachusetts Main Streets Coalition.Â

Gruner has a bachelor's degree in philosophy and mathematics, and a master's degree in eastern studies from St. John's College in Santa Fe. He also has an EMT license from Santa Fe Community College.

He replaces Terry Brunner, director of the city's Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency, who had served the city's Economic Development Department in the interim.

The city has been without a full-time economic development director since September, when Charles Ashley III — who was appointed in January 2022 — stepped down from his position.

Prior to Ashley, Synthia Jaramillo had been the city's Economic Development Department director since February 2018 — becoming the first woman and Latina to do so — before leaving for a job with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

"There are important opportunities on the horizon for Albuquerque that will shape the future of our city, and we look forward to having someone of Max's experience at the helm of our efforts," Keller said Monday. "Together, we can help create new pathways for Burqueños and their families."