Victoria Sánchez Martinez Will Lead Restaurant Association
The New Mexico Restaurant Association named Victoria Sánchez Martinez as its incoming chief executive.
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 longtime leader Carol Wight, who is transitioning into an advisory position.
Why it matters
The appointment concludes a four-month statewide search to replace the outgoing CEO who led the organization for 25 years. This leadership shift marks a major transition for the entity representing over 1,500 state restaurateurs.
The association represents more than 1,500 restaurateurs across New Mexico. The incoming CEO brings experience from a 12-year tenure as an associate dean at Central New Mexico Community College.
The players
Victoria Sánchez Martinez
She is the incoming CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association and a former associate dean at Central New Mexico Community College.
Carol Wight
She is the outgoing CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association who led the organization for 25 years.
New Mexico Restaurant Association
This trade organization represents the interests of more than 1,500 restaurateurs throughout the state.
The details
Victoria Sánchez Martinez joined the organization on October 5, 2026, to begin a handover process with Carol Wight. Wight, who announced her retirement in June, will remain in an advisory capacity until the end of the year to support the change in leadership.
Timeline
Carol Wight announced her retirement in June 2026.
Victoria Sánchez Martinez began the transition process on October 5, 2026.
Victoria Sánchez Martinez officially begins her CEO role on November 1, 2026.
Carol Wight concludes her advisory role at the end of 2026.
Market Landscape
The appointment of Victoria Sánchez Martinez marks the end of a singular, decades-long era of institutional leadership at the association. This move shifts the organization into a new phase following the 25-year tenure of Carol Wight.
The leadership change may signal shifts in how the association advocates for local dining establishments and restaurant owners. Restaurant owners and industry workers can expect updates to operational support and legislative advocacy as the new CEO takes office.
The takeaway
This transition highlights the importance of institutional stability when moving between long-term executive roles. Success for the new leadership will likely depend on maintaining support for the association's 1,500 members during the shift.
Further reading
For more information on organizational leadership updates in the state, visit New Mexico People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Abqjournal.
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