Executive Report
August 3, 2026
Business Leaders and State Legislators Advance Cybersecurity Dialogue
New Mexico leaders are shaping cybersecurity policy together. SecureNM™ is helping ensure the business community has a meaningful voice in that conversation.
by David Sahd
The 2026 SecureNM™ Legislative Forum on Cybersecurity and Business brought together more than 80 legislators, business leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and association executives to discuss issues that increasingly affect New Mexico's economy, national security, and business competitiveness.
Participating legislators included Senator Jay Block, Representative Joshua Hernandez, Representative Cathrynn Brown, and Representative Kathleen Cates. Additional legislators participated online or through legislative staff. Greg Seeley, Political Director for Deb Haaland's gubernatorial campaign, presented her cybersecurity priorities, while former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull discussed his campaign's approach to security policies and funding based on the unique needs of local communities.
Discussions addressed commercial espionage, workforce development, economic development, national defense, New Mexico's 45-Day Data Breach Notification Law, and the emerging role of Sovereign AI. The forum reinforced that cybersecurity has become both a business responsibility and a public policy issue requiring ongoing collaboration between government and the private sector.
Representative Kathleen Cates received the SecureNM™ Cyber-safe Ambassador Award, presented by Joel Long of Rook Advisors in recognition of her leadership advancing cybersecurity public policy and economic development. Rook Advisors sponsors the SecureNM™ Cyber-safe Peer Review™ Program.
Jeanette Contreras, CEO of the New Mexico Society of CPAs, opened the program by encouraging continued collaboration among business associations and legislators. Deanna Dopslaf, CEO of The Southwest Life Real Estate Group, introduced the work of the SecureNM™ Public Policy Panel and outlined its expanding role in representing business perspectives on cybersecurity legislation. Bob Daniel, Executive Director of the National Organization of Trusted Advisors, moderated audience discussion while Tiffany Gabaldon of the New Mexico Society of CPAs coordinated statewide participation through Zoom.
Building on the success of the forum, SecureNM™ will expand its legislative engagement in 2027. The second annual Legislative Forum will include a luncheon with key point summations by legislators and an awards presentation, breakout discussions, and specialized legislative panels addressing topics most important to members. The Public Policy Panel is also establishing issue committees focused on:
- The private-sector impact of agency-directed legislation.
- Guidelines governing the application and oversight of state cybersecurity emergency powers.
- Developing and promoting legislation that supports New Mexico businesses, nonprofits, and consumers.
One Simple Action
Join the SecureNM™ Public Policy Panel or participate in an issue committee to help ensure New Mexico's business community contributes practical expertise to future cybersecurity legislation.
By bringing together business leaders, legislators, educators, and cybersecurity professionals, SecureNM™ is helping position New Mexico to capitalize on its talent, research institutions, and technology investments while strengthening cyber-safe commerce and long-term economic growth.
Sources: New Mexico Data Breach Notification Act (NMSA 1978, §§57-12C-1 through 57-12C-12); National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Be Aware. Get Prepared. Remain Vigilant!
David Sahd is the founder and executive director of SecureNM, LLC.
His background includes small business ownership, professional consulting, Fortune 500 management, executive association management, journalism and politics.
As a business development advisor, his ability to leverage clients' unique talents and resources results in effective strategies, efficient tactics, and persuasive language that propel ambitious objectives.
