Mar. 18—CLOVIS — Patrick Lucero has been promoted to the position of manager for community and economic development in Xcel Energy's Clovis district.

According to a news release from Xcel area spokesman Wes Reeves, Lucero is succeeding David Essex who is retiring in April after more than 37 years of service.

Lucero is presently manager for substation operations and maintenance in Clovis. He joined the company 11 years ago as a working foreman in the substation department.

"Patrick has spent more than a decade serving our customers and has gained valuable experience in providing solutions for our communities and preparing them for future growth," Mike McLeod said. McLeod is Xcel's New Mexico regional manager for community and economic development.

Lucero will serve as the company liaison between city and county governments in Curry, Quay and Roosevelt counties and will work with economic development groups to retain and expand businesses in the Clovis district, Reeves wrote.

Lucero will also provide support for nonprofits and other community groups working to improve the quality of life for area residents.

Lucero is a native of Tucumcari and graduated from Tucumcari High School in 1998.

Essex was hired as a meter reader for Southwestern Public Service Company in October 1985. He stayed in the meter reading department for nine years, achieving the position of chief meter reader. He then took a position as a distribution designer and stayed in that role for 15 years. He has served as manager for community and economic development in the Clovis district for the past 14 years.