Gov. Bill Richardson on Friday announced the appointment of Gary Girón to serve as secretary of the Department of Transportation.
Currently a deputy secretary in the department, Girón will replace Rhonda Faught when she retires at the end of the year, according to a news release from Richardson. The governor’s apparent appointment to be Barack Obama’s secretary of commerce means Lt. Gov. Diane Denish will become governor sometime in the coming weeks or months and will have the ability to choose her own cabinet secretaries.
Regardless, Richardson said in a news release that Girón has extensive experience and a thorough understanding of transportation issues.
“Gary understands the need to be bold and pursue every opportunity to build a safe and modern transportation system,” Richardson said.
Girón has served in various management roles during Richardson’s tenure. He has held his current job since 2006. Before that, he was deputy director of the state Personnel Office and a deputy secretary in the Department of Health.