Rick Homans

Rick Homans is the Executive Director of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority. He was deputy campaign director and lead policy advisor for Governor Bill Richardson's campaign in 2002, and was the Governor's first cabinet appointment. Homans also serves as chairman of the New Mexico Border Authority. Homans has spearheaded and expanded initiatives throughout the state, including MainStreet, Certified Communities, statewide incubators, foreign trade, and recruitment of new businesses. He has led the efforts to build Spaceport America, the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport. Spaceport America, expected to open for business in 2010, will be home to Virgin Galactic, the X-Prize Cup, Rocket Racing League, Starchaser, UP Aerospace and other commercial space companies. During the last four years, New Mexico has been in the top ten states for job and personal income growth, and has experienced a resurgence in manufacturing jobs. Before his state appointment, Homans was chairman and CEO of Starlight Media Group, a regional publisher of newspapers, magazines and visitor and newcomer guides. He lives in Santa Fe with his wife, Jan, and two children, Parker and Henry.