LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO— On APRIL 12th, 2025 the Las Cruces International Film Festival will
honor Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez with its esteemed “Hometown Hero” award. The Las
Cruces International Film Festival Hometown Hero award recognizes someone with ties to the
Las Cruces area that has given back to the community of Las Cruces. The award distinguishes
an individual who has made significant contributions to the community both within Las Cruces
and beyond. The award is given at the LCIFF awards ceremony each Spring. Mayor Enriquez will
be on hand to accept the award at the LCIFF awards ceremony April 12th 7pm at the Rio Grande
Theatre. Past recipients of the LCIFF celebrated “Hometown Hero” award include Governor
Michelle Lujan Grisham, Russell Allen, Belia Alvarez & Curtis Rosemond, Irene Oliver Lewis, Greg
Smith, Xochitl Torres Small, Marcie Dickerson and Wanda Bowman.
Las Cruces International Film Festival founder and Executive Director Ross Marks said, “Mayor
Erik Enriquez commitment and love of the city of Las Cruces is apparent in everything he does.
He makes the city a better place just by being himself. He leads with compassion and kindness.
He is a devoted member of our beloved community and has given of his time and resources
throughout his esteemed career. The Las Cruces International Film festival is proud to honor
Mayor Eric Enriquez and his extraordinary body of work. He is just getting started. We expect
even more great things from him. He a true leader and a visionary.”
Eric Enriquez was born and raised in Las Cruces, NM. He is a graduate of Mayfield High School
and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on Finance from
NMSU. Eric has continually pursued education and expertise in leadership. He was selected to
attend the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Leadership, University of Virginia courses in
City Government, Fire Service Executive Development Institute, and the National Academy of
Fire Services. He actively participated in the National Fire Chiefs Association. Enriquez’s career
experience includes being a Business Owner/Manager, Fire Fighter, Arson Investigator, Director
of Community Services (which included the Building Division, Environmental Code Enforcement
3/24/25
Division, Animal Control, City Inspections, licensing, and Fire Investigations). He also served as
Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Chief, and Assistant City Manager.
Eric is a dedicated individual who fulfills the role of a true Servant Leader through his
demonstrated actions, both professionally and personally. He cares deeply about his
community and the citizens of Las Cruces. He has worked tirelessly for several years through his
employment, expanding initiatives for a safer and more positive community.
Eric has also been involved with numerous boards such as Mountain View Regional Medical
Center in Las Cruces, and while serving in Hobbs, New Mexico, he was a Board Member of the
Boys & Girls Club, CASA, Sherri’s House of Hope, Drug Coalition Committee, and served as a
volunteer for over 20 years dedicated to helping our youth.
Eric is a successful, experienced leader who can use compassion, care, and practical yet creative
skills, allowing him to work in unison with all levels of government. Eric has been married to his
wife, Yvette, for 35 years, and they have three children and eight beautiful grandchildren.
Ticket prices for LCIFF 2025 are as follows:
VIP Passes – $200.00
All-Access Pass – $100
Day Pass – $35
Helen Hunt Celebrity Screening – $35
To purchase tickets and for more information go to www.lascrucesfilmfest.com.
For more information contact Ross Marks at rossm@nmsu.edu, or (575) 646-6149.
The tenth Las Cruces International Film Festival takes place April 9-13, 2024 and will be live and
in-person at the Allen Theatres Cineport. Tickets are available at www.lascrucesfilmfest.com.
Academy Award and Emmy winning actress Helen Hunt will on hand to receive the LCIFF
“Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment” award April 10th with a screening of her film
“As Good As It Gets.”
