Our Leadership
Michelle Lujan Grisham
Governor
Michelle Lujan Grisham is the thirty-second governor of the state of New Mexico, the first Democratic Latina to be elected governor in U.S. history…
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Howie Morales
Lt. Governor
Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales, raised in Silver City, New Mexico, has spent his whole life working to improve the lives of people in his community and across our state…
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Aging and Long-Term Services Department
Kaltenbach brings more than two decades of leadership in public policy, health care reform, and advocacy, as well as a strong track-record of advancing services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and communities across New Mexico. Kaltenbach will join the administration on November 4, 2024.
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Department of Agriculture
Jeff M. Witte currently is President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, a past president of the Western United States Agriculture Trade Association and on the board and past president of the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
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Children, Youth & Families Department
Valerie D. Sandoval brings more than 26 years of dedicated service and experience in state government to her role as Acting Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). Nine of those years have been serviced with CYFD in a variety of leadership roles including Deputy Secretary of the Protective Services and Juvenile Justice Divisions.
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Department of Corrections
Alisha Tafoya Lucero has nearly two decades of experience in the New Mexico Corrections Department, beginning in 2001 as a classification officer and serving as Deputy Warden and Interim Warden of the Penitentiary of New Mexico and Interim Warden of Springer Correctional Facility.
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Department of Cultural Affairs
Debra Garcia y Griego was previously the director of the city of Santa Fe Arts Commission, a position she held since 2012, during which time she led the city’s efforts to support arts and cultural affairs. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.
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Early Childhood Education & Care Department
Elizabeth Groginsky has more than two decades of executive leadership experience administering public and private human service organizations at the national, state and local levels. She previously served as the assistant superintendent of early learning for the District of Columbia, a role she held for nearly five years.
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Economic Development Department
Rob Black was named Cabinet Secretary designee of Economic Development by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in September 2024. As Secretary of Economic Development, Black oversees the state’s efforts to foster economic growth, support businesses, and create jobs across New Mexico.
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Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
Erin Taylor was appointed Acting Secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department in December 2025. She previously served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary, beginning in April 2025.
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Environment Department
James Kenney has spent more than 21 years across two stints at the Environmental Protection Agency, most recently as senior policy advisor for oil and gas, working with senior agency leadership and designing strategies to support environmentally responsible development of oil and natural gas resources while working with states, tribes, federal agencies and industries on regulatory and policy matters.
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Department of Finance and Administration
Wayne Propst has two decades of experience in state and federal government and financial management, including nearly a decade as executive director of the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico, where he oversaw a $15.5 billion trust fund and worked with Gov. Lujan Grisham to enact comprehensive pension reform to improve the fund’s long-term solvency.
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General Services Department
Anna Silva is the secretary of the New Mexico General Services Department. She is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in management operations, strategic planning, and legislative initiatives. As deputy cabinet secretary for the New Mexico General Services Department, Silva oversees a $400 million budget, manages more than 6.8 million square feet of state assets, and leads innovative projects that enhance efficiency and sustainability.
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Department of Health
Gina DeBlassie is the cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). DeBlassie is Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s public health advisor and began her role as interim NMDOH secretary in November 2024.
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Higher Education Department
Stephanie Rodriguez previously served as Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Lujan Grisham, focused on policies and issues surrounding education, military affairs, and the national laboratories. Prior to joining state government, Rodriguez worked for then-Representative Lujan Grisham in the United States Congress.
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Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Major General Miguel Aguilar serves as the Adjutant General for the State of New Mexico and the Acting Cabinet Secretary for the State’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
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Health Care Authority
Kari Armijo, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), brings over two decades of dedicated public service to her role, exemplifying a deep commitment to improving health care for all New Mexicans.
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Department of Indian Affairs
Josett Monette is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. She currently serves as the Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD). As Cabinet Secretary, Josett oversees IAD’s programs, including tribal environmental, tribal consultation, and MMIP initiatives. Her General Counsel work consists of providing advice and counsel on a variety state and tribal matters and advising the Department on a variety of internal policies.
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Department of Information Technology
Manny Barreras brings a wealth of expertise to the role of Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Technology, with 26 years of professional experience in sales and business development, including 22 years dedicated to technical sales, marketing management, and public relations.
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New Mexico National Guard
Major General Miguel Aguilar serves as the Adjutant General for the State of New Mexico. As the Adjutant General, he serves as senior military advisor to the Governor and is responsible for providing the State of New Mexico and the United States with a ready force of citizen Airmen and Soldiers.
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Office of African American Affairs
A longtime civic leader and media voice, Gene Grant brings nearly two decades of public affairs experience to his role as director of the Office of African American Affairs. Formerly with New Mexico PBS and Animal Protection New Mexico, he is known for advancing equity, advocacy, and cultural representation statewide. As director, Grant leads statewide efforts to promote the economic development, education, health and political well-being of African American communities throughout New Mexico.
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Department of Public Education
Mariana Padilla was named Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Public Education Department in September 2024. Padilla has served as the Director of the New Mexico Children’s Cabinet since the start of the administration, leading the Governor’s child and family well-being agenda. She also serves as the Governor’s senior education policy advisor, overseeing early childhood, K-12, and higher education.
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Department of Public Safety
A respected police officer and administrator, Jason R. Bowie has worked in New Mexico law enforcement for decades. Bowie retired as the Deputy Chief of the Rio Rancho Police Department after a distinguished 27-year career in 2021 before being named Secretary of the Department of Public Safety. Throughout his career, he has sought to build relationships with communities and to support officers in their mission to protect and serve.
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Regulation and Licensing Department
Clay Bailey has been appointed Superintendent of the Regulation and Licensing Department, and will continue to oversee the Construction Industries Division and the Manufactured Housing Division.
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Taxation and Revenue Department
Stephanie Schardin Clarke has over 20 years of experience in New Mexico government administration. She previously served as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Finance and Administration, Director of the State Board of Finance, and as Santa Fe County Finance Director.
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Department of Tourism
Lancing Adams currently serves as the Acting Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. Lancing brings with him a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors. Prior to serving as the Acting Cabinet Secretary, Lancing served as the Department’s Tourism Development Director.
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Department of Transportation
David Quintana has more than two decades of experience at the department, rising through the ranks from Engineer in Training to his most recent role as Programs and Infrastructure Division Director and Chief Engineer — a position in which he oversees more than 220 employees and manages an annual budget exceeding $500 million.
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Department of Veterans Services
Brigadier General (Retired) Jamison Herrera has served as the Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Services since September 5, 2023, and has made measurable improvements throughout the Agency and has championed the opportunity to synchronize the efforts of all Veteran Service Organizations serving our proud New Mexico Veterans.
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Department of Workforce Solutions
Sarita Nair is a proven leader in the government field, most recently serving as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Albuquerque, overseeing 22 departments and a city budget of over $1.2 billion. Prior to working for the city, she was Chief Governmental Accountability Officer and General Counsel for the Office of the State Auditor.
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