Victoria Sánchez Martinez Will Lead New Mexico Restaurants
New Mexico restaurant owners will see a leadership change at their primary trade association starting in November.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
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Victoria Sánchez Martinez will officially begin her role as CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association on November 1, 2026. She succeeds Carol Wight, who led the organization for 25 years and will remain in an advisory capacity until the end of the year.
Why it matters
The transition marks a change in leadership for an association representing more than 1,500 restaurateurs across the state. This shift follows a four-month search process to replace a long-term executive who defined the association's policy and advocacy agenda for a quarter-century.
The New Mexico Restaurant Association represents more than 1,500 restaurateurs across its 80-year history. Incoming CEO Victoria Sánchez Martinez follows a 25-year tenure established by outgoing leader Carol Wight.
The players
Victoria Sánchez Martinez
Incoming CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association who previously served as an associate dean at Central New Mexico Community College.
Carol Wight
Outgoing CEO who led the New Mexico Restaurant Association for 25 years.
New Mexico Restaurant Association
A statewide industry trade group representing more than 1,500 restaurateurs.
The details
The association identified Sánchez Martinez following a four-month statewide search to secure a successor. She joins the organization after a 12-year tenure as an associate dean at Central New Mexico Community College. The outgoing CEO will assist with the transition period through the end of 2026 to ensure continuity in advocacy and member services.
Timeline
June 2026: Carol Wight announced her retirement.
October 5, 2026: Victoria Sánchez Martinez began the transition process.
November 1, 2026: Victoria Sánchez Martinez officially begins CEO role.
End of 2026: Carol Wight concludes her advisory role.
Market Landscape
The transition ends the 25-year tenure of Carol Wight, which established a long-standing pattern of advocacy for the state's dining sector. This change marks a departure from a quarter-century of leadership consistency within the New Mexico Restaurant Association.
Restaurateurs should monitor upcoming association newsletters for shifts in legislative priorities or member services under the new administration. Owners should prepare to engage with the new CEO regarding advocacy concerns as the transition concludes by the end of the year.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at trade associations often signal shifts in how industry concerns are presented to state regulators. Restaurateurs should plan to review the association’s updated 2027 policy agenda once the transition period concludes.
What happens next
Carol Wight will serve in an advisory role until the end of 2026 to complete the transition.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Abqjournal.
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