NM Fiber Network Strengthens Executive Team and Marks Key Milestones in Statewide Fiber Buildout
Executive updates at NM Fiber Network (NMFN) focus on future innovation and growth.
ARTESIA, New Mexico, June 23, 2025 – NMFN today announced leadership updates and celebrated significant progress in its mission to build a scalable, statewide middle-mile fiber network in New Mexico. With nine owner-member companies at its foundation, NMFN is transitioning from a virtual collaborative to a robust, operational network delivering carrier-grade fiber services across the state. “NMFN and its member companies are uniquely positioned to scale broadband deployment throughout the state,” said David Jimenez, CEO of NMFN. “From the start, our focus has been enabling fast, secure, and reliable access for carriers and community institutions. We’re preparing for full network activation over the next several months.”
NMFN has a standalone fiber network spanning over 900 miles, representing over $50 million in cumulative fiber infrastructure investment to date. “This network is the culmination of a vision our companies have shared for decades,” said Jim Meyers, Chairman of NMFN. “By joining together, we’ve built something far greater than the sum of its parts—an advanced fiber backbone that’s connecting our communities to the future.”
In just a few years, NMFN has developed and engineered a high-capacity, standalone fiber backbone now entering the final stretch of deployment. The network is designed to support Ethernet services of up to 400 Gbps upon activation, enabling high-speed, reliable connectivity to support telecommunications carriers, last-mile providers, and large-scale institutions such as schools, hospitals, and government agencies. “Building for rural connectivity takes more than funding—it takes trust and commitment,” said Cecile Archibeque, NMFN Board Member and CEO of Roosevelt County Rural Telephone Cooperative. “Together, we’ve created a network that not only connects people, but also strengthens communities across the state.”
The company also announced recent changes in its executive leadership team. Jim Meyers, CEO of Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative, continues to serve as Chairman of the Board. Kristi Lee, CFO of Valley Telephone Cooperative, has been named Vice Chairman of the Board. David Jimenez, CEO of Leaco Rural Telephone Cooperative, remains CEO of NMFN. Tracy Machado, CFO of Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative, is now serving as Chief Financial Officer of NMFN. “Our financial strategy is focused on long-term sustainability and expanding access across New Mexico,” said Tracy Machado, CFO of NMFN and Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative. “Through careful investment and shared commitment among our members, NMFN is building a lasting foundation that supports both network reliability and regional economic development.”
As part of its continued growth, NMFN maintains a strong strategic partnership with INDATEL, a national network of rural fiber providers. This affiliation extends NMFN’s reach into a nationwide infrastructure ecosystem of 700+ local networks across 47 states, allowing seamless, high-performance data transport beyond New Mexico’s borders. “The transformation NMFN has accomplished in just a few years is remarkable,” said Justin Forte, CEO of INDATEL Services. “They’ve taken a shared vision and building high-capacity network from the ground up. We’re proud to partner with NMFN to ensure rural and underserved areas across New Mexico gain access to national-level connectivity.”
About NM Fiber Network, LLC (NMFN)
NMFN is owned by nine local exchange telephone companies in New Mexico that provide communication services in the communities they serve. NMFN offers high-speed fiber-optic backbone capabilities to telecommunications providers and direct business customers such as hospitals, schools, and government agencies. For more information, please visit www.nmfibernetwork.com.
Media Contact
Tabitha Davis, NMFN, Marketing Manager, tdavis@pvt.com