Raymond H. Gonzales has over 25 years of leadership experience encompassing nearly every level of government administration. After starting his career with the U.S. Peace Corps, his roles spanned from serving as New Mexico’s Deputy Cabinet Secretary under the leadership of Governor Bill Richardson to County Manager for Adams County, Colorado the 5th largest county, serving 515,000 residents, and one of the fastest growing counties in the country.
Although he found great success fortifying these agencies, his heart has always been in economic development. Following this passion, Raymond oversees the Metro Denver EDC in its work to unite nearly 70 cities, counties and economic development agencies across the nine-county Metro Denver region to promote economic prosperity and serve as the region’s “business brand manager.”
Raymond continuously strives for organizational improvement and his passion for workplace culture where he empowers employees and their personal impact, influence, and inspiration regardless of title or designation. Raymond continuously strives for the premier delivery of art and cultural opportunities to accentuate the culture of an ever-increasing innovative and inclusive region.
In addition to his challenging role leading Metro Denver EDC, Raymond serves as Executive Vice President of the Denver Metro Chamber, Vice President of the Mountain Plains region of the International City/County Managers Association Executive Board, President of the Local Government Hispanic Network Board of Directors, and as the Vice-Chair of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.