Michael Canfield, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center president and CEO, to retire from role in March

Michael Canfield announced this week he will retire as president and CEO of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on March 31 after 12 years leading the center.

“It has been my absolute privilege to have been an integral part of these organizations for the past 30 years,” Canfield said.

All 19 Pueblos in New Mexico own and operate the IPCC. The facility, located where a Native American school once was, has a museum and library, archives, an education department, a teaching kitchen and restaurant, and cultural programming and events.

Canfield brought business and economic growth to 12th Street near Interstate 40 where the IPCC is located. He joked that "we’re probably the only Indian organization that runs our own Starbucks."

Canfield said it never feels like a good time to leave with all the projects the center is working on, but his contract is ending in March. The IPCC just finished opening its first community-use commercial kitchen.

“My heart and soul is in this company,” Canfield said.

Canfield, 69, said he wants to spend more time on his motorcycle and with his grandchildren.

While he is retiring from the IPCC, he said he is not turning his back on the community. He plans to maintain his seven board positions and work part-time at Valliant Consulting Group.

The IPCC is looking nationwide for Canfield's replacement. The center will consider both internal and external applicants.