FEATURE STORY
By Jenny Green
Jan. 22, 2025
A tale of three careers: Celebrating the legacies of three top administrators at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture
For decades, Deputy Director/Secretary Anthony Parra, Division Director of Industry and Agency Programs Larry Dominguez and Agricultural Programs and Resources Division Director Julie Maitland dedicated themselves to service, leadership and impact at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA). Though their paths were different, their shared commitment to excellence and innovation has left an indelible mark on the agency and the agricultural community it serves.
(Photo courtesy NMSU/New Mexico Department of Agriculture)
Anthony Parra: A career of dedication to agriculture and leadership
Anthony Parra’s life and career exemplify the spirit of resilience, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to the agricultural industry. Retiring in August 2024 as deputy secretary of NMDA, his journey from a small farming and ranching community near Deming, New Mexico, to a prominent leadership role in state government is a testament to his dedication to serving both his local community and the broader agricultural sector.
This early exposure to farming and ranching inspired Anthony to pursue higher education in agriculture. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business and Finance, which set the stage for his future contributions to the industry. After a brief stint in retail welding supply sales, he returned to school to obtain a master’s degree in Agricultural Extension Education—a move that would shape the rest of his career.
Anthony began his professional journey as an agricultural extension agent at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in 1991. He quickly gained recognition for his innovative approach to community outreach, particularly through the NMSU 4-H rodeo program, where he served on the 4-H Rodeo Board. His efforts empowered youth and strengthened rural communities, laying the groundwork for his leadership ethos.
For a year, Anthony worked as a cross-country truck driver, a role that broadened his understanding of the logistics side of agriculture. This experience was followed by a position in the College of Engineering at NMSU in 1994, where he contributed to a National Science Foundation grant program promoting minority participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This role marked the beginning of his leadership career.
Anthony stayed at NMSU to take on greater responsibilities, including serving as a business manager in telecommunications and later as director of business operations, where he managed procurement, IT infrastructure and business operations for the university’s telephone network. His leadership helped launch the Rio Grande Optical Network, a critical fiber optic initiative connecting state government and educational institutions across eastern New Mexico.
In 2012, Anthony became the deputy director of the NMDA after answering a colleague’s suggestion to apply for the role. His transition to NMDA marked a turning point in his career, allowing him to focus on his passion for agriculture at a state and national level.
Under his leadership, NMDA faced and overcame significant challenges. One notable instance was addressing a Forest Service decision in 2013 that affected livestock grazing permits in Corona. Leveraging NMSU’s expertise, NMDA’s team used scientific data to advocate for ranchers, ensuring their permits remained intact.
Anthony’s tenure at NMDA was defined by transformative initiatives:
- he bridged the gap between NMDA and NMSU, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that maximized resources and expertise
- he established a dedicated lab division, separating enforcement and testing responsibilities to improve efficiency and transparency. This included enhancing the chemistry, seed, petroleum and metrology services under NMDA
- he oversaw the streamlining of software systems, ensuring the agency’s operations aligned with modern standards
- he played a pivotal role in addressing chile labor incentive programs and labeling, working closely with stakeholders to balance the governor’s directives with industry needs.
Anthony was known for identifying and mentoring talented individuals within the department, fostering a culture of excellence. He took pride in seeing the success stories of his colleagues, who thrived under his guidance. His ability to manage diverse teams and navigate intricate details made him an invaluable leader.
Beyond his role at NMDA, Anthony has remained deeply connected to the agricultural community. He serves on the Foundation Board for the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau and the Board of Directors for the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. These positions have allowed him to contribute to preserving New Mexico’s agricultural heritage and ensuring its future.
Anthony’s career was driven by a singular long-term goal: to contribute meaningfully to agriculture across New Mexico and beyond. Through decades of service, he not only achieved this goal but exceeded it. As he transitions into retirement, his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, ensuring that agriculture remains a cornerstone of New Mexico’s economy and culture.
Larry Dominguez: A career built on trust and leadership
Dominguez’s career at NMDA spans more than 34 years, during which he held four distinct roles, each building on the last. His journey began as a state statistician, a position no longer existing at NMDA, where he honed analytical skills over three years. He then transitioned to Bureau Chief of NMDA’s Feed, Seed and Fertilizer (FSF) Section, a role now known as Assistant Division Director, leading an expansion of the bureau for four years and laying the groundwork for future successes.
Larry’s next leap was as Division Director of NMDA’s Agricultural and Environmental Services Division, where he served for nine years. At the time, the division housed four bureaus and two laboratories including the agency’s dairy bureau, and the state’s dairy industry was experiencing unprecedented growth. Larry rose to the challenge, developing a robust program to meet the demands of the expanding industry—a task that was both challenging and rewarding. His final role at NMDA has been as Division Director for Industry and Agency Programs, leading various programs and initiatives that are crucial to the success of NMDA and the state’s agricultural industry.
Before his time at NMDA, Larry worked in the feed industry after earning degrees in Animal Science (bachelor’s) and Economics/Agricultural Economics (master’s). Interestingly, his entry into NMDA was somewhat unplanned—a decision made on a whim—but it became his calling. Once in public service, Larry felt a great responsibility to give his best to the agency and the industries it serves.
Larry’s accomplishments have been many:
- he built effective teams and hired strategically to manage increasing workloads
- his leadership in mentoring new staff and colleagues advanced NMDA’s capabilities
- his rapport with regulated industries and agricultural groups fostered trust and respect, transforming NMDA into a valued resource.
His dedication extended beyond regular hours. He listened, responded and went above and beyond the expectations of his roles to earn industry stakeholders’ trust. His 18 years on the Water Quality Control Commission, which included periods as vice-chair and chair, exemplified his commitment to transparency and fairness and the rare occasion that a state agency other than the Environment Department chaired the commission.
In 2010, Larry received the Ayudando Siempre Allí Award from the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the industry. His mentorship of employees, coupled with his openness, patience and understanding, ensured a lasting legacy of leadership at NMDA.
Julie Maitland: From bakery to ag policy
Julie Maitland’s path to NMDA was as unique as it was impactful. Before her 25 years of service, she spent two decades in the bakery industry, working in Seattle and New York City. Her first career shaped her understanding of food and people, which later fueled her passion for policy and service in agriculture.
Joining NMDA in 1999 as a water resources and policy specialist, Julie quickly became a cornerstone of the agency’s efforts to effectively manage water resources. Her entrepreneurial spirit and imagination allowed her to approach challenges with creativity and passion. Julie’s career has been marked by:
- a deep understanding of ag policy and its impact on people
- a focus on deploying resources to benefit New Mexicans through grant funding and tangible opportunities
- collaborative problem-solving that brought stakeholders together to achieve common goals
- the establishment and piloting of NMDA’s Healthy Soil Program, created under the 2019 Healthy Soil Act.
Her leadership style emphasized teamwork and positive communication. As a manager, she found joy in analyzing her team’s thinking and helping them grow. She believed in putting a positive light on complicated agricultural policies, ensuring they were understood and best utilized by industry.
Serving on the Water Trust Board as NMDA’s Secretary’s Designee since the board’s inception in 2002, Julie has been long committed to professional excellence, while her ability to balance strategic thinking with compassion made her a respected leader. Julie’s ultimate goal was to be of service—a goal she undoubtedly achieved.
A legacy of service: Anthony Parra, Larry Dominguez and Julie Maitland
Anthony Parra, Larry Dominguez and Julie Maitland brought diverse strengths and perspectives to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA). Anthony’s visionary leadership and ability to unite teams across disciplines complemented Larry’s trust-building expertise and leadership style, while Julie’s innovative and collaborative approach drove progress. Together, their shared dedication to serving New Mexico’s agricultural community created a powerful legacy that will continue to inspire NMDA employees for generations.
They leave behind more than remarkable careers—they leave lasting impacts on the people, industries and communities they served. Their stories exemplify the transformative power of commitment, creativity and service, shaping a legacy that will guide the future of New Mexico’s agriculture industry for years to come.
A word from New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte
“NMDA and the entire state of New Mexico are a much better place because of the leadership of these three individuals who gave it their all every moment of every day and served with a passion for agriculture that will definitely be missed,” said Witte. “True to their dedication, Anthony, Julie and Larry set the table for new leaders to follow and pick up where they left off – that is a true sign of dedication – and I am fortunate to have benefited from their leadership. I wish them all the best in retirement!”