Director of Planning

Throughout his professional career, Director Varela has served in leadership roles in the private sector and the public sector, both as a highly skilled executive and as an attorney. Mr. Varela has also volunteered for numerous non-profits including serving as the Chairman of the Board of Quality New Mexico, an organization focused on implementing best practices across all economic and government sectors, serving as the Finance Committee Chair for Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity, and serving as the elected President of the 100,000-member Hispanic National Bar Association for the United States of America. He has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential leaders by Hispanic Business Magazine.

Director Varela thoroughly enjoys helping the public. He started with the City as general counsel for Municipal Development, Finance, Metropolitan Redevelopment and the Environmental Planning Commission. While in the City’s Legal Department, he progressed from Assistant City Attorney to Managing City Attorney to Deputy City Attorney. Immediately prior to being appointed as the Interim Director of the Planning Department, Mr. Varela was servings as the Deputy Director of the Department of Municipal Development where he oversaw numerous Divisions including vertical construction, energy and sustainability, real property, facilities, and finance.