Tom Garrity and Katie Olivey Named 2026 New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame Inductees

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., October 19, 2026— The New Mexico Hospitality Association will induct Tom Garrity, founder and president of The Garrity Group, and Katie Olivey, founder and collaborator in chief at OLIVEY, into the New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame. Both will be honored during the association’s annual Top HAT Awards and Hall of Fame Gala on October 27, 2026, at Isleta Resort & Casino.

The recognition celebrates their lasting contributions to New Mexico’s tourism industry, from bringing international attention to the state’s signature experiences to helping communities of all sizes reach new visitors.

“Tom and Katie have helped shape how the world sees New Mexico,” said Amy Miller, secretary of the New Mexico Hospitality Association Board of Directors. “Their work has brought our state’s stories to new audiences and helped communities share what makes them special. Just as meaningful are the relationships they have built and the people they have supported along the way.”

Tom Garrity: Sharing New Mexico’s Stories with the World

Garrity’s tourism career began in television, where he earned an Emmy as a KOAT-TV producer for Balloon Fiesta Behind the Scenes. He later served as director and vice president of communications for the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau before founding The Garrity Group in 1997.

As the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s first and longest-serving media director, Garrity supported 24 events, connecting journalists from around the world with the pilots, volunteers and experiences behind one of New Mexico’s most recognizable attractions. His work combined sustained media outreach with crisis communications planning to help the event navigate both celebrations and difficult moments.

Garrity also coordinated media and messaging for the 1997 Roswell UFO Encounter and helped strengthen Roswell’s identity as an otherworldly destination. His work with New Mexico’s chile industry has brought attention to the growers, businesses and traditions behind another defining part of the state’s identity. Through board service, destination planning and mentorship, he has continued to support the industry and its next generation of communications professionals.

Katie Olivey: Connecting Communities Through New Mexico True

Olivey has played a central strategic role in New Mexico True since the tourism brand’s development, helping translate consumer research into a clearer, more compelling picture of the state and its authentic experiences.

Working with the New Mexico Tourism Department, she helped reimagine the New Mexico True Cooperative Marketing Program. Her Smart Select Marketing™ approach provides customized content and media options that reflect each partner’s goals, budget and staffing resources. The program has expanded access to coordinated tourism marketing for more than 70 local, tribal and nonprofit partners statewide, including smaller organizations with limited capacity.

During the pandemic, Olivey volunteered her expertise to help the New Mexico Hospitality Association and the New Mexico Society of Association Executives develop the NM Safe Certified badge. Her commitment to mentorship and community partnerships continues through hands-on learning, cultural immersion and support for local tourism organizations.

Celebrate the 2026 Inductees

The October 27 gala will bring together tourism and hospitality professionals to celebrate Garrity and Olivey alongside this year’s Top HAT Award honorees. The Top HAT Awards recognize exceptional individuals, businesses, campaigns, venues and teams advancing hospitality and tourism across New Mexico.

For event details and registration, visit the event registration page. Registration closes October 21.

About the New Mexico Hospitality Association

The New Mexico Hospitality Association supports New Mexico’s lodging and tourism industry through advocacy, education, collaboration and industry recognition. Its annual Top HAT Awards and Hall of Fame Gala celebrates the people and organizations whose work strengthens the industry and makes New Mexico a welcoming, memorable destination.