Soon-to-be Gov. Diane Denish today announced the leaders of her transition team, including one prominent Las Cruces educator.
Margie Huerta, president of New Mexico State University’s Doña Ana Community College, will lead Denish’s education and workforce advisory team, according to a news release from the lieutenant governor’s office.
The transition team will be co-chaired by Dan Lopez, president of New Mexico Tech, and Hobbs native Brenda Brooks. Trevor Loy, founder of Flywheel Ventures, will lead Denish’s government efficiency and finance team. Alex Romero, who has worked in the financial industry for 30 years, will lead her economic stability team. Matt Martinez, vice president of the National Hispanic Cultural Center board, will lead the healthy families and communities team.
Maria Griego-Raby, a member of the state Board of Finance, will lead the safety and security team. Joe Garcia, chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council and president of the National Congress of American Indians, will lead the energy and environment team. Española Mayor Joe Maestas will lead the transportation and infrastructure team.
“Every New Mexican can feel invested and represented in the transition. Citizens from around the state will be called on to serve with these leaders on committees,” Denish was to say today at a news conference in Albuquerque announcing the team, according to prepared remarks released by her office. “They will represent every county in the state to ensure that every area statewide has representation in recommendations and ideas that come forward to strengthen New Mexico.”
Denish said she’s “proud to be a part of history” during this “unprecedented transition of leadership.” She’s about to fill the vacancy created because Barack Obama has nominated Bill Richardson to be his commerce secretary. She will be the first female governor in the state’s history.
The transition team, Denish said, according to the prepared remarks, will “develop recommendations and priorities in areas that are vital to moving the state forward.”
“With this transition comes opportunity — the opportunity to reach out to some of our state’s brightest and most effective leaders to assess New Mexico’s strengths and to generate new and innovative ideas,” she said.