State Senator Tim Keller Honored by NM Business Weekly in '40 Under Forty'

Senator Timothy M. Keller (D-Bernalillo-17) has been named one of forty individuals honored by the New Mexico Business Weekly for its 2009 “40 Under Forty” recognition.

“It was recognition of a kind that you don’t anticipate receiving. I was honored to be selected as one of the ‘40.’ When something like this comes along, it adds to your resolve to work for positive change in your community and the state. It’s uplifting,” said Senator Keller in a release issued yesterday.

Each year, the Business Weekly asks for nominations for its 40 Under Forty. The honorees this year were selected by a panel of honorees from past years. Selection criteria included professional achievements, leadership, and community involvement.

The reception for the 2009 honorees was held at the Journal Pavilion this past week. During the reception, Senator Keller was singled out for his work as an investment banker, entrepreneur, and business strategist and for his experience in international economic development. On the legislative side, his emphasis on better managing state investments, improving economic development incentives and support for small business innovation and growth.

Senator Keller, who was elected to his first term during the 2008 General Election, was born and raised in Albuquerque and graduated from St. Pius High School. He then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Service, Art History and Finance from the University of Notre Dame. After leaving Notre Dame, he co-founded a non-profit group, Data Digital Divide, which extends help to land mine victims and displaced persons in Cambodia. He also continued his education – earning an MBA with honors from Harvard Business School.

After completing his MBA, he became a Principal Engineer at Honeywell Corporation in New Mexico. After leaving Honeywell, he established an “English as second language” joint venture. He also became a business consultant and currently works in that capacity for Katzenbach Partners, LLC. He is also a member of the board of the Albuquerque Southeast Team for Entrepreneur Development.

Senator Keller’s achievements in the education field during the legislative session were recognized earlier this month by the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education which appointed him to its Legislative Advisory Committee.