CNM Ingenuity CEO Kyle Lee Stepping Down After a Decade of Transformative Leadership

After a decade of visionary leadership and commitment to workforce and economic development in New Mexico, CNM Ingenuity CEO Kyle Lee has announced that he will step down later this summer.

CNM Ingenuity is Central New Mexico Community College’s workforce and economic development organization formed in 2014 under the New Mexico University Research Park and Economic Development Act.

Since joining CNM Ingenuity in 2015, Kyle has helped transform the organization into a nationally recognized leader in workforce innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Under his leadership, CNM Ingenuity expanded its reach across the state, creating pathways to high-demand careers for thousands of New Mexicans while strengthening partnerships that support economic growth and opportunity. 

"Kyle's leadership has been instrumental in shaping CNM Ingenuity into the workforce and economic development powerhouse it is today," said CNM President Tracy Hartzler. "His vision, creativity, and commitment to expanding opportunity have helped thousands of New Mexicans launch life-changing careers while strengthening our communities and economy. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence CNM for years to come."

Ingenuity was created to help the College develop innovative solutions to workforce and economic challenges. Through Kyle's leadership, Ingenuity’s first program, Deep Dive Coding, evolved into a portfolio of technology bootcamps spanning nearly 20 in-demand fields, such as data science, the internet of things, and most recently, the country’s first quantum technician bootcamp. Ingenuity also expanded accelerated workforce training into critical industries such as commercial truck driving, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and electrical linework.

Kyle strengthened partnerships across government, industry, and education. Ingenuity launched and expanded major workforce initiatives with organizations including the City of Albuquerque, the New Mexico Economic Development Department, the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, the New Mexico Department of Transportation, and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, further solidifying CNM's role as a trusted workforce development partner statewide.

Kyle oversaw the launch of FUSE Makerspace and the creation of the Ingenuity Venture Fund, both designed to support entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, and the state’s economy.

Many of these initiatives were pioneering efforts within the community college sector and have drawn attention from institutions across the country.

"CNM's vision of Changing Lives, Building Community is both powerful and inspiring," Kyle said. "I am most proud that the Ingenuity team embraces the vision by making courageous, innovative, collaborative, and joyful commitments to the people we serve. Together, we created opportunities for individuals to pursue their dreams, we helped employers solve workforce challenges, and we helped strengthen our community. After 10 years, I have chosen to step away knowing that CNM Ingenuity is stronger than ever, with tremendous opportunities ahead, including with public-private partnerships. I am deeply grateful to the CNM Ingenuity Board, CNM President Tracy Hartzler, our incredible Ingenuity team, and the many partners who helped make this work possible. The best of CNM is still ahead."

CNM Ingenuity Board Chair Mark Fidel: "I have had the privilege of working closely with Kyle on many of the organization's most important strategic initiatives. Kyle leads with vision, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to creating prosperity for New Mexicans. His leadership has positioned CNM Ingenuity for continued success, and while he will be greatly missed, he leaves behind an exceptional team and a strong foundation for the future. We look forward to identifying the next leader who will build upon his remarkable achievements."

CNM Governing Board Chair Annette Chavez y De La Cruz: "The CNM Governing Board is grateful for Kyle's exceptional leadership of CNM Ingenuity over the past decade. Under his guidance, the enterprise has grown from an ambitious vision into a nationally recognized leader in workforce and economic development. Kyle's strategic thinking, innovative spirit, and commitment to learner success and community prosperity have helped us significantly advance CNM's vision of Changing Lives, Building Community."

A national search for the organization's next CEO will begin in the coming months. In the meantime, CNM and CNM Ingenuity remain committed to developing innovative workforce solutions, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating economic opportunity for New Mexicans.