CNM Ingenuity Selects Mark Fidel as Interim CEO
The Board of CNM Ingenuity has unanimously selected Mark Fidel as Interim CEO of CNM Ingenuity, a workforce and economic development arm of Central New Mexico Community College.
Fidel, who has served as Chair of the CNM Ingenuity Board since November 2020, will step down from that position and assume the role of Interim CEO effective July 1. He succeeds current CEO Kyle Lee, who announced earlier this month that he will step down on Aug. 3 after leading the organization for the past decade.
Fidel will serve as Interim CEO through Jan. 31, 2027 – CNM Ingenuity will launch a national search for a permanent CEO in the fall. Fidel will not be a candidate for the permanent position.
Fidel brings nearly two decades of experience building and leading technology companies in New Mexico. He is the co-founder of RiskSense, a cybersecurity company he grew from inception through a successful exit in 2021. His professional background spans entrepreneurship, law, finance, capital formation, and nonprofit governance.
"As a Board member and Chair since November 2020, I've had the privilege of watching CNM Ingenuity grow, and I've seen firsthand the foundation Kyle has built,” said Fidel. “I want to thank him for that work and for the platform he leaves us. CNM Ingenuity sits at the center of New Mexico's innovation economy, and that work doesn't pause for a leadership transition. My focus over these next six months is straightforward: keep our programs, partnerships, and people moving forward without interruption, while we strengthen the structure underneath, from our governance alignment with CNM to the relationships we're building in quantum, space, and advanced technology. This is an exciting moment for CNMI's next chapter, and I'm honored to help carry it forward as we set the stage for a great permanent CEO."
Fidel holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver and an Executive MBA from the University of New Mexico's Anderson School of Management.
"Mark brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial success, strategic vision, and deep knowledge of CNM Ingenuity's mission and impact," said CNM President Tracy Hartzler. "Having served as Board Chair, he understands both the opportunities ahead and the importance of maintaining momentum during this transition. We are fortunate to have a leader of Mark's caliber stepping into this role, and we are confident he will continue advancing CNM Ingenuity's work connecting New Mexicans to high-quality careers while strengthening the state's innovation economy."
Established in 2014 under the New Mexico University Research Park and Economic Development Act, CNM Ingenuity has grown into a nationally recognized leader in workforce innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Under Lee's leadership, the organization expanded its reach across New Mexico, creating pathways to high-demand careers for thousands of New Mexicans and developing partnerships that strengthen economic opportunity statewide.
"Mark has been an exceptional Board Chair and he has a great understanding of the New Mexico University Research Park and Economic Development Act through his experience with RiskSense and other endeavors,” said Kyle Lee. "He’s been a valued mentor to me and he is a thoughtful and caring leader who understands the organization's mission, its partnerships, and its potential. I can think of no one better to help lead CNM Ingenuity through this transition while ensuring our innovative work continues to move forward with purpose and momentum."
The CNM Ingenuity Board has selected current Board Member Ryan Cangiolosi to serve as Board Chair effective July 1. Cangiolosi, a lifelong Albuquerque resident, is the Director of Economic and Community Development at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected to serve as Chair of the CNM Ingenuity Board,” Cangiolosi said. “It is a privilege to work alongside such an exceptional Board as we continue advancing innovation, workforce development, and economic opportunity for New Mexico. I want to sincerely thank Kyle Lee for his outstanding leadership and lasting contributions over the past decade, and Mark Fidel for stepping up to lead the organization during this important transition. I look forward to working with Mark and our Board as we continue building on CNM Ingenuity’s incredible momentum.”
Since its founding, CNM Ingenuity has developed innovative workforce programs that prepare learners for careers in some of New Mexico's fastest-growing industries. Its first initiative in 2014, the Deep Dive Coding Bootcamp that was a first-of-its-kind at the time, has evolved into a portfolio of technology bootcamps spanning nearly 20 high-demand fields, including data science, cybersecurity, internet of things, and the nation's first quantum technician bootcamp.
The organization has also expanded accelerated workforce training programs into critical industries like commercial truck driving, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and electrical linework, while launching major workforce initiatives in partnership 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.
In addition, CNM Ingenuity manages the FUSE Makerspace and the Ingenuity Venture Fund, both of which support entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, and broader economic development efforts throughout New Mexico.