Ken Miyagishima

Ken Miyagishima
Mayor of Las Cruces
Incumbent
Assumed office 2007
In office 2007–present
Personal details
Born	1963 Biloxi, Mississippi
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Susana Chaparro
Children	Michael and Danielle
Residence	Las Cruces, New Mexico
Website	http://www.las-cruces.org/council/mayor.shtm

Kenneth Daniel Gallegos "Ken" Miyagishima is the current mayor of Las Cruces, New Mexico, first taking office in 2007.

Kenneth Daniel Gallegos Miyagishima was born in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1963. He is of both Japanese and Mexican descent. He has lived in Las Cruces since 1971. He attended public schools and in 1985 graduated from New Mexico State University with degrees in finance and real estate. In 1984 – while still attending NMSU – Ken began his insurance and financial services business, which he still owns today.

Ken has achieved many milestones in his distinguished career in public service:

First elected 1992 he became New Mexico’s first American of Japanese descent to be elected to public office. During the years of 1998, 1999 & 2000, he was voted “Best County Commissioner” in a local newspaper readers’ poll. Ken’s accomplishments were included in the book, Distinguished Asian-American Political and Governmental Leaders, printed by Greenwood Press. In 2002, he received the Commander’s Award for Public Service, from the Department of the Army, 1 March, 2002. Ken won re-election as City Councilman in 2005 running unopposed. In 2007 he was elected Mayor of Las Cruces, becoming Las Cruces' first American of Japanese and Mexican descent to be elected Mayor of Las Cruces. Following his election as Mayor, Ken became only the second person in Dõna Ana County's history to have been elected both: Chairman of the Dõna Ana County Commission and the Mayor of Las Cruces.

Ken is married to former judge Susana Chaparro – between them they have two children. Michael attends NMSU pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Danielle attends Oñate High School and was recently named an All-American Scholar At-Large Award Winner.

Mayor Miyagishima's Experience Includes:

2007 - Present Mayor of Las Cruces

2001–2007 Councilman, District 6, City of Las Cruces

2004 - Chairman, City of Las Cruces Public Safety Committee

1996-1999 Chairman, NM Association of Counties Insurance Authority

1997–1998 President, Rio Grande Council of Government

1995,1997 Chairman, Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners

1992–2000 Commissioner, Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners

1989–1996 College Instructor, Finance and Management

You may contact Mayor Ken Miyagishima by email at: mayor@las-cruces.org

External links

• City of Las Cruces - Mayor Ken Miyagishima official government website
• Ken Miyagishima official campaign website
• Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Forum October 2, 2007 speech on YouTube
• Obama likely to roll through New Mexico ahead of Super Tuesday The New Mexican, January 27, 2008, endorsement of Barack Obama