City’s economic czar quits
Enfield accepts new contract with University of New Mexico-Gallup

By Kevin Killough
Staff writer

GALLUP — Mike Enfield, the city’s economic developer, says he is moving on to other consulting jobs in the area. Enfield, who was contracted in August to provide consultation services for the city’s economic development plans, will be providing his services to the UNM-Gallup branch. He says he is eager to pursue the opportunity.

“It’s something I’m certainly excited about,” Enfield said.
Enfield said his experience with the city was positive, but he couldn’t fulfill the requirements of both consulting contracts.

“My business is economic development, and I’ve wanted to do this thing with the branch for some time,” he said.

City Manager Gerald Herrera said that his contract was coming to an end around Thanksgiving, and both parties decided not to renew it.

“It was a mutual understanding about his future,” Herrera said.

This was Enfield’s second time fulfilling the role of economic developer. Under Mayor Bob Rosebrough, Enfield was a full-time employee in the same capacity. He resigned in June 2005 without explanation and was replaced with Glen Benefield, who was subsequently fired last April. Last August, when Enfield’s contract with the city began, the city was considering extending it or hiring him on full time. But Enfield’s prospects took him into other ventures.

“Diversity is a wonderful thing,” Enfield said.

He plans to help the college branch develop their training programs for various needs including OSHA and the American Disabilities Act. Enfield said these programs could serve a wide range of entities in the private and public sector throughout the Gallup area.

“People are sending their employees all over the country for training when they could be doing it right here,” Enfield said.

The city is not certain when the position will be filled.

“Our plans are to look at the mid-term budget and see where we’re at, but right now we’re not looking for anyone,” Herrera said.