ALBUQUERQUE, NM, October 20, 2016 - Today Alan Webber, founder of One New Mexico, a state-based non-profit committed to creating a better future for all New Mexicans, accepted the 2016 Warren Bennis Award for Excellence in Leadership.

Warren Bennis, who died in 2014 at the age of 89, was the pioneer in the field of leadership and leadership development. He practiced, studied, authored and taught leadership for decades and was called the "Dean of Leadership Gurus" by Forbes Magazine.

Upon receiving the award at the Linkage annual leadership summit in Palm Springs, California, Alan Webber said, "Simply to be associated with Warren Bennis makes this award a very special honor. It is a reminder of the importance of real leaders in all walks of life and at all levels. Everywhere I go in New Mexico people are looking for leadership, which tells me that the work of developing leaders and of practicing leadership never stops."

Webber continued, "With the challenges our great state is facing, all New Mexicans need to step up and take on the responsibilities of leadership. Each of us has a leadership role to play and each of us can make a difference in our communities and for our families to create a more vibrant economy, greater financial security, safer communities and higher quality education. To me, that's the spirit and meaning of the Bennis Award."

Established by Linkage in 1997 to honor Bennis' legacy, the Bennis Award honors a recipient who demonstrates courage, endurance, capability and success in his or her field and is an inspiration and role model for current and aspiring leaders.

Rich Rosier, Executive Director of Linkage's Global Institute for Leadership Development-