Clara Apodaca

Clara R. Apodaca (born 1934 in Doña Ana, New Mexico) is an American patron of the arts, nonprofit executive, and politician. Apodaca served as the First Lady of New Mexico from 1975 to 1979 during the tenure of her then-husband, Governor Jerry Apodaca. In April 1975, First Lady Apodaca founded and opened the Governor's Gallery in the New Mexico State Capitol, featuring the works of Georgia O'Keeffe in the inaugural exhibition.

Apodaca also served as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, then known as the Office of Cultural Affairs, under both Governor Toney Anaya and Governor Garrey Carruthers from 1985 to 1987, where she oversaw the opening of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. As secretary, Apodaca oversaw the New Mexico state-owned museums system and the state park system.

She remained active following her retirement. She continued to serve on five boards of directors, as of 2017, including the Albuquerque Film and Music Experience Foundation and the Hitachi Foundation.