Barela to give commencement speech

Mesalands Community College will hold its graduation services 6 p.m. Friday at the Tucumcari Convention Center.

The commencement speech will be delivered by Jon Barela, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Department.

Barela, a native New Mexican, graduated from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C., and holds a bachelor's degree in history and diplomacy with a law degree — all from Georgetown as well.

Barela's stints in public service include a senior aide to the late Rep. Joe Skeen, assistant attorney general for New Mexico. He also has private sector work with the Modrall Law Firm and Intel.

"Jon Barela has had a positive impact on economic development for the state of New Mexico, and is a strong advocate for what education can do to improve and enhance the future of our state," Mildred Lovato, President of Mesalands said. "I believe his knowledge and experience will contribute to the future success of our graduates."