Michael Chavez, a lifelong Corrales resident with deep roots in the village’s history, will retire from his position as Public Works Director on December 31 after nine years of service.
Chavez’s connection to Corrales runs deep, tracing his family lineage back to the village’s founder, Juan Gonzales Bas, through his mother’s side. His maternal grandparents, Damacio and Carolina Rivera, settled in Corrales in 1890, and his mother, Lillian Rivera Chavez, was born in the family home that still stands on Corrales Road. Lillian later worked as a Harvey Girl at the Alvarado Hotel before marrying Vivian Chavez, with whom she owned and operated the original Sandia Bar in the mid-1940s.
Chavez recalls early memories of helping at the family business, even working the drive-up window at the age of eight.
“I remember being in charge of the Cub Scouts bake sale because I was the only Scout that could count money,†Chavez said.
A product of local schools, Chavez attended Sandoval Elementary (now Corrales Elementary), Taylor Middle School, and Cibola High School. He was active in youth organizations like Cub Scouts, 4-H, and Future Farmers of America. After high school, he worked at Los Patios before transitioning to the construction industry, specializing in underground utilities and heavy equipment operation. In 2001, he founded Rocky Mountain Excavating Inc., a utility and emergency on-call contracting company.
In 2015, Chavez’s expertise led him to the Village of Corrales. After consulting on a residential wastewater issue, he was offered a position as the Village Water/Wastewater Operator. He served in that role until 2018, when he was appointed Public Works Director. During his tenure as director, Chavez focused on improving response times to village issues and adopting a more proactive approach. Addressing the village’s persistent flooding problems has been a key priority.
Corrales Mayor Jim Fahey praised Chavez’s contributions to the village in his Dec. 13 Mayor’s Message.
“In 2015, Michael received a call from the Village Administrator looking for advice on a residence with wastewater issues,†Fahey said. “He found the problem and the resolution, so the Administrator offered him a position.â€
Fahey also highlighted Chavez’s deep historical knowledge of the area: “Michael’s institutional and historical memory will be missed, not to mention his smiling face.â€
Chavez plans to remain active in retirement, continuing his lifelong passion for raising cattle and hunting.
“We used to herd the cows from one field to another down the road and along the ditch banks,†Chavez said. “I have raised livestock for as long as I can remember and will continue doing so.â€