The Town of Mountainair will induct former Mayor Carl Ivey into its 2026 Hall of Excellence, honoring his nearly four years of service leading the community and his decades-long commitment to education.
According to Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto, Ivey and his wife, Ruth, moved to Mountainair from Albuquerque in 1985 and opened Alpine Motors, a family business that included tire service and used car sales. Family members participated in the business over the years, making it a local fixture on West Broadway.
Elected mayor in 1990, Ivey served nearly four years and focused on unifying the small town’s diverse population while addressing infrastructure needs.
“This community is made up of a very diverse population,” Ivey said during his tenure, according to the town’s announcement. “We have the opportunity to build a stronger, more productive community without losing the rich, varied heritage that makes us such a unique place.”
During his time as mayor, Ivey helped secure funding for a new water well and installed clearly visible street signs to support emergency response. He also assisted his daughter, Mary, in starting Alpine Alley Café.
Before moving to Mountainair, Ivey had an extensive career in education as a teacher, principal, professor and college administrator. He earned his doctorate in education from the University of New Mexico in 1965, after completing his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois.
Ivey died in 2011, surrounded by his wife Ruth and their children.
The Hall of Excellence honors individuals who have enriched the fabric of the Mountainair community and whose lives reflect values of kindness, service and dedication to the well-being of the town and its residents. The town intends for the recognition to become an annual event.
The 2025 Hall of Excellence class included Eugene “Gene” Schmitz, William “Tommy” Eschberger, James “Jimmy” Sullenger, Ernest Rubi, Patrick “Pat” Lucero, Ramona “Monie” Torres Dew, Erineo “Eddie” and Amalia “Mollie” Padilla, Larry Gustin, and Lionel and Edith Miranda.
The town will announce final details regarding the 2026 induction ceremony date in the coming weeks. The ceremony will take place this spring.
Mountainair is currently accepting recommendations for future Hall of Excellence inductees. To nominate someone, visit https://form.jotform.com/250055524023040.