Board of Directors/Staff
The ENMWUA Board of Directors includes a group of dedicated elected officials and leaders from our member communities.
Mike Morris, Chair
Mayor of Clovis
Raised on a cattle ranch near Conchas Dam, Mike Morris moved to Clovis in 2005, where he built a thriving insurance agency and established himself as a dedicated small business owner.
Over the years, he has actively contributed to the city’s growth by engaging with local organizations, including Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and youth sports leagues, all while showing unwavering support for the well-being of Clovis.
As mayor, Mike has prioritized policies that foster economic development, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all residents. With the support of a dedicated team, he has successfully secured vital infrastructure funding from both state and federal sources.
Additionally, he actively contributes to key committees, including the City of Clovis Finance Committee, the Civil Aviation Board, and the Senior Services Committee. For the past five years, he has chaired the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority board of directors, focusing on addressing Clovis’ water challenges.
With a clear vision for Clovis’ future, Mike aims to create a thriving, vibrant community that offers its residents opportunities for a healthy and prosperous life. His leadership continues to focus on areas such as public safety, infrastructure, job creation, and, above all, water security. Mayor Morris is committed to ensuring Clovis remains a resilient and prosperous hub for eastern New Mexico.
Jim Lucero, Vice Chair
Portales
A lifelong resident of Portales, Jim Lucero has a deep love for his community and is dedicated to its future. Committed to service, he completed two terms on the City Council. During his time in office, he worked tirelessly to make Portales a better place for its residents.
He is passionate about water, the quality of life, public safety, and economic development in Portales and believes in creating and maintaining a vibrant, diverse economy and a safe, thriving community with opportunities for everyone.
Jim has served on the ENMWUA board for 11 years, having become interested soon after being elected to the Portales City Council. As a proud native, Mr. Lucero also loves to share Portales’ history and its link to water. He noted the area was first settled in the late 19th century by cattle herders who discovered a water source emerging from a rocky ledge resembling a Spanish porch. This led to the name "Portales" and the establishment of nearby ranches. In 1899, the Pecos Valley and Northeastern Railroad arrived, and in 1909, Portales was officially incorporated as a city.
Chris Bryant, Secretary
Clovis
Chris Bryant, a Clovis native, has spent his entire life in the community. He began his career in the restaurant industry in 1978 and continues to run the family business with his oldest son.
With a long-standing interest in local politics and a deep commitment to his community, he has consistently sought ways to give back. He has served on various boards and committees, and his passion for public service led him to the City Commission. Now in his fifth term, he also chairs the Water Policy Advisory Committee, where he focuses on water conservation efforts critical to Clovis’ growth and sustainability.
While Chris is dedicated to securing a sustainable water supply, he is also focused on addressing other key issues facing the city, including public safety, economic development, and overall quality of life.
Beyond his work on the City Commission, Chris has served for 13 years on the ENMWUA board and currently holds the role of Secretary. His deep concern for the region's water needs has driven him to advocate for lasting solutions to ensure a reliable water supply for Clovis’s future.
Juan F. Garza
Clovis
Juan Garza is a dedicated public servant and business leader. He has been a key figure in the City of Clovis since 1982, when he moved with his family in search of better opportunities.
After becoming actively involved with the United Way of Eastern New Mexico and the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Garza established a successful business and emerged as a prominent community leader.
Elected as City Commissioner 26 years ago, he has consistently earned reelection, demonstrating his commitment to Clovis and its growth.
Originally from Mexico, Mr. Garza has deep roots in Clovis and is a strong advocate for economic development of eastern New Mexico. This belief has shaped his service as a board member of the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority (ENMWUA), where he has served since his election.
Working alongside former mayors Lansford of Clovis and Ortega of Portales, Juan became deeply committed to securing water resources for the region. His work on behalf of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System has been a defining passion, underscored by a meaningful moment in his career when he traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the region’s water needs before legislators.
His steadfast leadership and dedication to the well-being of his community have made him an indispensable figure in shaping Clovis’ future.
Max Carter
Texico
Max Carter became an ENMWUA board member in 2025 for the second time, having previously served in this capacity. He has a strong commitment to advancing regional water infrastructure and long-term water sustainability for eastern New Mexico.
A dedicated public servant, he currently serves as mayor pro-tem of the City Council of Texico and has been a member of the council since 2022.
Eldon Merrick
Portales
Eldon Merrick was born in Clovis and raised in Roosevelt County as a third-generation native. His early years were spent in Causey, where he graduated from Dora Consolidated Schools. From a young age, he embraced the value of community service, which led him to join the Causey Volunteer Fire Department and dedicate himself to supporting his neighbors. Growing up on the family farm in Causey helped shape his strong character and sense of responsibility.
Eldon’s commitment to service has been reflected in his roles as a deacon at his church, a member of the Causey City Council, Causey mayor, a school board member at Dora, and an active participant in various agricultural and civic organizations. He currently serves on the Portales City Council.
In early 2024, he was appointed by the Portales City Council to the ENMWUA board. He specifically sought this role because water issues were a key reason he decided to run for City Council in Portales. Eldon is deeply committed to ensuring the area secures a sustainable, renewable water source for the future.
Mr. Merrick also highlights the rich history of Portales, noting it is home to the state's third-largest college and to two of New Mexico's previous governors, Washington Ellsworth Lindsey and John Burroughs.
Staff
Mark Howl, Executive Director
Mark Howl joined ENMWUA in 2025, with responsibility for overall management of the Utility. He was raised in Portales from first grade to high school graduation. After working at UPS while he earning an engineering degree from New Mexico State University, he graduated and was promoted to a leadership position with UPS. He later earned a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of New Mexico.
Mark joined PepsiCo and moved to the East Coast, working in management and leadership operations and logistics throughout the United States. He then moved to Sysco Foods, ultimately becoming Vice President of Operations before deciding to return to his hometown.
Jacquelynn Bowens, Deputy Director
More information coming soon.
Celeste Southerland, Finance Clerk
More information coming soon.
Victoria Gonzales, Grant Manager
Victoria joined ENMWUA as grants manager in 2025, with responsibility for ensuring all grands and programs adhere to regulations and guidelines, preparing performance and financial reports, researching potential funding sources and developing strategies and work plans to align grants with organizational goals.
She previously served as an executive assistant and administrative assistant at Maderal Community College, providing support to the Vice President and logistical support for meetings and events. She also worked in human resources and administrative support for Madera County and Solano County as well as the California Highway Patrol before relocating to New Mexico.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University and an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Madera Community College.