Ray Powell is one of New Mexico’s most accomplished Commissioners of Public Lands. He has outstanding experience and qualifications to serve as New Mexico’s next Commissioner of Public Lands.

Ray is a veterinarian. He received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University, with emphasis in wildlife rehabilitation, in 1985.

Ray currently works for Dr. Jane Goodall as the Director of the Four Corners States Region of The Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research Education and Conservation. Ray periodically travels with Dr. Goodall and represents her at various events. He works with youth leaders to provide service-learning opportunities for the benefit of animals, communities, and the natural world. The program is currently in 111 countries around the globe.

Ray is a native of Albuquerque and attended Albuquerque Public Schools. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Biology, and a Master’s degree in Botany and Plant Ecology from the University of New Mexico.

Ray served as the president and vice-president of the 22 member Western States Land Commissioners Association from 1996-1998. In this role he worked closely with federal cabinet members, governors, members of congress, and tribal leadersto improve public policy on trust lands nationwide.

Ray served two terms as a member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases. In this capacity he gained significant expertise in understanding the impacts of disease and other pathogens on our domestic and wild animal populations.

Ray served as the Chairman of the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Regulation and Licensing Board from 2002-2005 and is currently the Vice Chair. In this capacity he has worked tirelessly to enhance the humane treatment of animals.

Ray continues to work to bring various groups together to find common ground and solve problems. During his tenure as Land Commissioner he received numerous accolades and awards from business, agriculture, sportsmen, academic, and environmental groups.

In addition, Ray served nearly a decade as a member of the State Investment Council, Mining Commission, Oil and Conservation Commission, the Youth Conservation Corps Commission, and the Capitol Building’s Planning Commission.

Prior to his appointment as Commissioner of Public Lands, he served as a Special Assistant to Governor Bruce King with responsibility for environment, natural resources, health, and recreation.

Ray is married to Jean Civikly-Powell who is a professor emeritus at the University of New Mexico. She developed UNM’s Faculty Dispute Resolution program and serves as its Director. They live in Albuquerque’s North Valley.

Proven Track Record

• Veterinarian
• Regional Director, Jane Goodall Institute, 2007-present
• Executive Director, Valles Caldera National Preserve, 2004-2005
• Commissioner, State Land Office, 1993-2002
• Special Assistant to Governor King on environment, natural resources, health, and recreation issues. 1991-1993
• United States Professional Tennis Association member, 1975-1985
• Member, New Mexico Veterinary Licensing Board –currently Vice Chair
• President, La Semilla Institute
• Board Member, New Mexico Audubon
• Board Member, University of Utah Environmental Humanities Program
• Board Member, New Mexico Chapter of Audubon Society
• Board Member, Quivira Coalition
• Board Member, New Mexico Land Conservancy
• Board Member, Pet Animal Welfare non-profit Cause for Paws
• Board Member Rivers & Birds/Youth Leadership and Experiential Learning non-profit
• Board Member Tufts University Water Institute

Education

• B.S. 1977, UNM double major Anthropology & Biology
• M.S. 1980, UNM Systematic Botany and Plant Ecology
• D.V.M. 1985, Tufts University, emphasis on wildlife rehabilitation

Past Appointments and Service

• Chairperson, New Mexico Veterinary Licensing Board
• President, Friends of Albuquerque’s Environmental Story
• Board Member, New Mexico Chapter of Common Cause
• Board Member, Institute of Natural Resource Analysis and Management, University of New Mexico
• President and Vice-President, 22-member Western States Land Commissioners Association
• Member, United States Department of Agriculture’s Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases
• Member, New Mexico State Investment Council
• Member, New Mexico Mining Commission
• Member, New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission
• Member, New Mexico State Transportation Authority
• Member, New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Commission
• Member, New Mexico Capitol Building Planning Commission