Accomplished public service leader to guide the Railyard’s next chapter of community stewardship, partnership, and long-term sustainability
SANTA FE, N.M. (July 14, 2026) — The Santa Fe Railyard Community Corporation (SFRCC) Board of Directors has appointed Tunté Vigil as its new Executive Director, effective July 15, 2026, following a comprehensive statewide and regional search process. Her appointment was unanimously approved by the Board after an extensive recruitment that included national and regional outreach, multiple rounds of interviews, and reference checks.
Ms. Vigil brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience in nonprofit management, tribal government, public policy, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has led complex organizations, built collaborative partnerships, overseen multimillion-dollar operations, and worked closely with government agencies, boards, and diverse stakeholders to advance community priorities. She most recently served as Tribal Administrator for the Pueblo of Pojoaque and previously served as President and CEO of the Notah Begay III Foundation. She holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law.
As Executive Director, Vigil will lead the organization in advancing its mission to preserve and strengthen the Santa Fe Railyard as a vibrant public space that reflects the city’s history while supporting recreation, arts, culture, commerce, and community life. The role also includes strengthening partnerships with the City of Santa Fe, tenants, community organizations, and residents while preparing for the organization’s next chapter of long-term planning.
“The Railyard belongs to this community, and the Board has taken great care in selecting a leader who understands both its history and its future,” said Rosemary Romero, President of the SFRCC Board of Directors. “After a thoughtful and competitive search, we are confident that Tunté brings the leadership, integrity, and collaborative spirit needed to build strong relationships with our tenants, our partners, the City, and the community we serve. She is someone who listens first, leads with purpose, and understands that the Railyard succeeds when people come together around a shared vision.”
“The Board is excited to begin this next chapter with Tunté at the helm. Together, we will continue strengthening the Railyard as one of Santa Fe’s most treasured public spaces while honoring the community vision that has guided this remarkable place for more than two decades,” said Romero.
The Santa Fe Railyard serves as one of the city’s premier gathering places, bringing together residents and visitors through arts, recreation, local businesses, public events, open space, and cultural experiences. SFRCC works in partnership with the City of Santa Fe and numerous community organizations to ensure the Railyard remains accessible, welcoming, and sustainable for generations to come.
“I am honored and humbled to join the Santa Fe Railyard Community Corporation,” said Vigil. “The Railyard is much more than a destination. It is a place where the community comes together. It reflects the creativity, history, and diversity that make Santa Fe unique. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside the Board, staff, tenants, city leaders, and community partners to build on the strong foundation that already exists.”
Vigil said her initial priorities will focus on relationship building, organizational stability, and thoughtful collaboration.
“My first commitment is to listen. I want to meet with our tenants, community partners, neighbors, and public officials to better understand their perspectives and identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration. Together, we can continue ensuring the Railyard remains welcoming, vibrant, and responsive to the needs of our entire community.”
The Board expressed its appreciation to everyone who participated in the executive search process and reaffirmed its commitment to transparent governance and thoughtful stewardship of one of Santa Fe’s most important public assets.
For more information about the Santa Fe Railyard Community Corporation, visit www.sfrailyardcc.org
About the Santa Fe Railyard Community Corporation
The Santa Fe Railyard Community Corporation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, managing, and advancing the Santa Fe Railyard as a vibrant, sustainable public space for recreation, arts, culture, commerce, and community engagement. Working in partnership with the City of Santa Fe and community stakeholders, the organization is committed to protecting the Railyard’s historic significance while ensuring it continues to serve residents and visitors for generations to come.