The University of New Mexico Foundation has elected Bob Bovinette as the new chair of the Foundation Board, Don Chalmers as vice chair and Dorothy Rainosek, secretary. They join Michael Carroll, president of the UNM Foundation and vice president of Institutional Advancement, and David Harris, treasurer and executive vice president for Administration, as officers on the Board of Directors.
“We’re delighted to have people of this caliber serve on the UNM Foundation Board,” said Carroll. “They have been incredibly supportive of the University and are great citizens of the city and state. I look forward to working with them.”
Bovinette, who previously chaired the Foundation Board’s Investment Committee, retired in January 2004 as president and chief executive officer of the Common Fund, positions he held since 1996. The Common Fund is a nonprofit, membership consortium that manages the world’s largest pool of endowment and cash assets exclusively for universities, colleges and independent schools. It manages $17.5 billion for approximately 1,400 member schools and offers investment programs in a broad range of U.S. and foreign securities. Before joining the Fund, he was headmaster at Albuquerque Academy.
Bovinette is also active in the community, currently serving on the Bosque School’s Leadership Advisory Board and the Board and the Executive Committee of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as chair of the Investment Committee of the Albuquerque Community Foundation, chair of the Credit Committee of the Bank of America New Mexico Board of Directors and as the secretary of the Board of Directors of the High Desert Investment Corporation.
He is a member of the UNM President’s Club and also supports the Lobo Booster Club and the Children’s Miracle Network.
Chalmers, a native of Tulsa, Okla., and the son of an auto parts storeowner, is president of Don Chalmers Ford. He also has several auxiliary automotive businesses including leasing and warranty insurance. In 1996, he came to Albuquerque and opened what would be his 18th auto dealership. Since then his dealership has consistently won the President’s Award from Ford, the company’s highest honor. In February 2001, Chalmers won a national award from Ford Motor Co., the “Heroes of the Planet” award for his work in the community.
Chalmers was vice chair of the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education and currently serves as co-chair of the Governance Committee on the Governor’s Task Force on New Mexico Higher Education. He is a member of numerous boards including United Way of Central New Mexico, serving as major gifts chair.
Other boards Chalmers serves on include: Albuquerque Economic Development; Albuquerque Community Foundation; Wells Fargo; Explora Science and Children's Museum; St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation; Quality New Mexico and many others.
He holds a bachelor of science degree in marketing from Oklahoma State University. Chalmers and his wife are members of the UNM Foundation’s Popejoy Society. He also supports the Children’s Hospital, Presidential Scholarship Program, UNM women’s golf team and the Lobo Booster Club as well as other athletic programs.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821