Dana Catron, deputy director of Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University, has been recognized as one of the 2024 Women of Influence by Albuquerque Business First. Catron expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am incredibly humbled and honored to have received this recognition. My professional journey to this point has been one of continuous learning and adaptation, driven by a deep commitment to fostering innovation and economic development in New Mexico.”
Catron credited her team at Arrowhead Center for their collective effort, saying, “It is about the collaborative ethos we’ve fostered, where each member’s contribution is valued and plays a critical role in our collective success. It is also a reflection of the trust and support we’ve received from our clients and colleagues, without whom our journey would have been significantly more challenging.”
Kathy Hansen, director of Arrowhead Center, commended Catron for her leadership and contribution to the organization, stating, “Our Arrowhead team is extremely fortunate to have Dana as a leader and a major contributor to the success of our organization. I am very proud of her recognition as a Woman of Influence in New Mexico. It is well-deserved.”
Catron, originally from Washington state, moved to New Mexico in 2009 to attend graduate school at NMSU and decided to stay in the area after completing her degree. Reflecting on her decision to remain in New Mexico, she shared, “The decision for my husband and I to stay in New Mexico was not just a choice of residence, but a commitment to being part of a community that reflects our values and aspirations.”
The Arrowhead Center at NMSU serves as an essential hub for economic development and technology transfer, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Catron, who started her career at Arrowhead Center as a graduate assistant in 2010, now leads multiple programs, spearheads funding efforts, and directs the New Mexico Clean Energy Resilience and Growth Cluster.
The recognition of Dana Catron as a Woman of Influence highlights her dedication to driving innovation and economic development in New Mexico, as well as the collaborative efforts of the Arrowhead Center team in achieving success in their initiatives.