The Senate Rules Committee voted to send Rob Black’s nomination for secretary of the Economic Development Department to the full Senate after a confirmation hearing that featured testimony from Black, his sponsor Sen. Michael Padilla and several supporters.

Black addressed the committee about his background in economic development and initiatives he plans to pursue, and Padilla described Black as a ‘‘kind, loving, and hardworking New Mexican’’ with experience leading statewide business organizations.

Black told senators he led the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce and described programs he helped start, including the statewide career-technical engagement program BePro Be Proud, which he said reached about 11,000 students in its first year and later worked with correctional institutions. He outlined legislative priorities he said would support site readiness and advanced industries: SB 169 (Strategic Economic Development Site Readiness Act), SB 170 (utility pre-deployment), SB 211 (Quantum Facility Infrastructure Tax Credit) and SB 212 (Quantum Testing and Evaluation Tax Credit). He described New Mexico’s strengths in advanced clean energy, advanced computing and quantum and urged legislative investment to keep the state competitive.

Padilla, who introduced Black, described Black’s previous posts including as state CEO of the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce and roles in California economic organizations and urged committee members to support the nomination.

Three witnesses registered in support spoke to Black’s record. John Clark, State Investment Officer, said Black focused on ‘‘uplifting the lives of New Mexicans’’ and partnering across sectors. Serena Nayer, Secretary of the Department of Workforce Solutions, described BePro Be Proud as an effective public-private partnership that inspired thousands to consider careers in the trades.

Committee members asked Black about several topics tied to economic development. He said a site­-readiness program and faster utility deployment were central priorities, and that New Mexico should invest in brackish-water desalination and other water technologies, citing work with Sandia National Labs and noting the National Desalination Research Facility in Alamogordo. He supported using industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) and said the department uses clawbacks and milestone-driven disbursements to protect taxpayer funds when incentives are provided.

After questioning, a motion to report the nomination out of committee as "do pass" was made and a roll-call was held; the chair announced the nomination would move to a full Senate confirmation with a committee vote of six in favor.

The committee moved on to other business after announcing breakfast was provided to members; the nomination will next be considered by the full Senate.