ISS Strategy Associate

ISS Vice President's Office

Ed Manzanares has joined the VP Office team as the ISS Strategy Associate. His role is designed to strengthen coordination, alignment, and execution of priority initiatives and will support ISS leadership in advancing projects that contribute directly to UNM’s strategic goals, campus development, and long-range planning. Ed’s extensive experience at UNM and throughout the state will enable him to serve as a central connector across departments. This position will help coordinate major capital planning efforts, support state and governing body approval processes, and contribute to UNM’s advocacy for critical capital funding. He will monitor project progress and ensure that key initiatives move forward efficiently and transparently. In addition, he will help to refine internal processes, strengthen compliance, and support data-informed decision-making across ISS.

Manzanares has held several leadership roles in athletics at The University of New Mexico and New Mexico Highlands University. His experience includes serving as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Administration at UNM and as Athletic Director at Highlands, where he oversaw 14 athletics programs, led major facility improvements, developed corporate sponsorship efforts, and secured record philanthropic support. Manzanares earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and broadcast journalism from UNM and a master’s degree in sports business administration from Highlands. He is affiliated with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association.