CONEJOS — With deep roots in Conejos County, Nathan Ruybal, pictured to the right, has undertaken a role of service to the people with whom he grew up.

Appointed County Clerk and Recorder upon the announced resignation of Lawrence Gallegos, pictured to the left, he has already begun with the vast learning curve that is the office.

A democrat, he was raised in Antonito and a 1995 graduate of Antonito High School, he is a 2002 graduate of Adams State who has been working in retail since 2010.

Retail, he says, gave him the opportunity of working with many different types of people and personalities and he is taking that experience with him as he learns the ropes from Gallegos.

Gallegos, who has served a number of terms as county clerk, will be moving to New Mexico to join his wife and family who have been there for a while. His move will end weekends of commuting and has opened the doors to possible government employment in Santa Fe.

“I have a ranch for sale if anyone’s interested,” he says with a smile.

Ruybal also operates a small ranch in his spare time. “I like to stay busy,” he says, so he fishes, camps and skis.

The son of Ronnie and Lucy Ruybal, he appreciates the opportunity to work in Conejos County, so much so that he has thrown his hat in the ring for election as county clerk and recorder.

“I thank the commissioners and my family for their support,” he concludes.