Over the past few months I've provided updates on ICF New Mexico's succession challenges, and the Board's work to explore alternative governance structures. These conversations have been guided by a deep commitment to serving our members and strengthening our New Mexico coaching community for the future.
Today I’m pleased to share that the Board is working with ICF Arizona to expand our partnership, building on more than three years of successful collaboration and shared programming. Our vision is to unite professional coaches across Arizona and New Mexico under a vibrant new ICF Southwest chapter. Together, our combined chapter will represent over 500 professional coaches, creating a strong coaching community across the Southwest. This transition will strengthen our two chapters' collective capacity, while also enabling us to continue fostering local connection and community. We are working toward a January 2026 launch.
While our governance structure, branding, and back-end systems will evolve as part of a unified regional chapter, you can expect that many aspects of your member experience will remain the same. Our goal is to make this transition as easy and seamless for all of our ICF New Mexico Members and Associates.
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Your chapter affiliation will automatically transfer to the new Southwest Chapter in early 2026.
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New Mexico will have representation on the governing board and committees.
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In-person gatherings will continue in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and wherever New Mexico coaches want to gather.
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Membership Ambassadors will continue to serve, welcoming new members, hosting events, and serving as a primary point of contact for New Mexico coaches.
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Community and Student Associate options will continue to be offered and will be transferred to the new Southwest Chapter.
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Our regional chapter will continue to be a welcoming community for all coaches, coaching allies, and the coaching curious, regardless of ICF membership or credential status.
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New Mexico's voice and values will remain visible and influential within the new regional chapter.
Once we fully integrate and transition to the new regional chapter, we will take the legal steps necessary to dissolve ICF New Mexico as a separate corporate entity. The New Mexico board will remain in place to complete these legal requirements and to ensure we fulfill all of our obligations in accordance with New Mexico law. We anticipate that this will occur by late spring, 2026.
We Want to Hear From You
Over the next few months we will be working with our counterparts in Arizona to design the new regional chapter - and we want your input. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts, questions, and priorities in this brief survey. Your input will help guide the transition plan and ensure it reflects the needs and perspectives of our members.
ICF Southwest Chapter Survey
This is an important step to solidify our future, and we look forward to hearing from you.
On behalf of our entire ICF New Mexico Board, I want to thank you for being an important part of our coaching community. Your feedback truly matters to us. And while this transition feels a bit sad, we are equally excited to be embarking on a new adventure together with our Arizona peers - one that feels aligned with growth, transformation, and expansiveness - like the Coaching Profession itself.
We will continue to provide updates as plans take more concrete shape.
With appreciation,
Deborah Thompson, NBC-HWC, PCC
President, ICF New Mexico