Albuquerque – Today, Governor-elect Susana Martinez nominated Michael S. Duvall to serve as her secretary of the Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management.  Duvall has a superior background of service to the state and nation having operated as commander of the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base and having received numerous awards and decorations.

In nominating Duvall, Governor-elect Susana Martinez stated, “Michael has served his nation with distinction and honor for nearly three decades.  He has a deep understanding of working with personnel to achieve results when the stakes are highest.  He will work to ensure New Mexico is a stronger and safer place on behalf of every person living, visiting or passing through the state.”

Michael Duvall will work to protect New Mexicans by spearheading comprehensive and synchronized programs that reduce risks and prevent incidents resulting in harm, while also ensuring responses to events are swift and effective.  In addition to his time at Kirtland, Duvall was director of exercises and training for the U.S. Pacific Command, commander of the 4th Operations Group at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, vice wing commander for the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan and a lieutenant colonel at the Air War College.  He has received some of our nation’s highest honors including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star.

In response to his nomination as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Michael Duvall said, “It is with great honor and pride that I accept the opportunity to serve in Governor-elect Martinez’s Administration.  As secretary, I look forward to working with the Governor and advancing her commitment to protecting all New Mexicans with well developed and executed programs and responses.”

Albuquerque – Today, Governor-elect Susana Martinez nominated Edwynn L. Burckle to serve as her secretary of the General Services Department.  Burckle has decades of experience as a senior manager in both the private and public sectors directing program, small business, contractual and supplier matters.  His experience also includes commanding three military acquisition units while serving in the U.S. Air Force.  He also oversaw a company that provided facility maintenance and construction services at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

In nominating Burckle, Governor-elect Susana Martinez stated, “Ed is a proven leader who will ensure state government is able to maintain high performance levels with less resources.  He will help administer to the budget in a way that maximizes efficiencies and makes certain we making the best use of every, single taxpayer dollar.”  Martinez added that Burckle will oversee the selling of the state’s jet.  “One of Mr. Burckle’s first orders of business will be to sell the state’s $5.5 million jet, which has become a symbol of government waste and abuse,” said Martinez.

Ed Burckle will ensure important and mission-critical assets are directed toward state agencies, while serving as a fiscally-conservative and careful manager of taxpayer dollars.  In addition, he will work to put in place a culture that makes certain the department is timely in its responses in an effort to make the best use of people’s time and state resources.  Burckle’s background demonstrates he is exceptionally prepared to serve as head of General Services having successfully led a joint venture maintenance company as general manager with 1,500 employees and having successfully secured billions in new business in the private sector.  In addition, Burckle has focused on economic development in New Mexico developing strategies that have been reviewed and endorsed by local governments, advocated for small businesses developing plans for expansion, retention and attraction, and is a distinguished leader having been recognized by numerous agencies and departments.

In response to his nomination as the secretary of the General Services Department, Ed Burckle said, “It is my honor to be nominated as a cabinet-level secretary in Governor-elect Martinez’s Administration.  Her directive to me and others has been clear: do more with less.  We must and will achieve the greatest return on investment in state government by prioritizing projects and working to achieve greater effectiveness on behalf of the state’s citizens.”

Albuquerque – The Susana Martinez Inaugural Committee today launched a Web site providing New Mexicans with important information concerning how they can participate in the historic inaugural and surrounding events on January 1, 2011.

The Web site details the events taking place on January 1st, including the swearing in, public reception, Children’s Ball and Bold Inaugural Ball.  In addition, it provides information on how to obtain directions to each event as well as surrounding hotels for those making accommodations.

To visit the Web site, go to http://susanamartinezinaugural.com/.

Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Governor-Elect’s Military Affairs Review Team.  These individuals will conduct a review of the Department of Military Affairs in order to find efficiencies and promote greater streamlining in state government.

The members of the Governor-Elect’s Military Affairs Review Team include:

WILLIAM GRALOW, CHAIRMAN

William Gralow is a retired brigadier general from the New Mexico Air National Guard where he served as chief of staff.  Gralow currently works as an attorney for Civerlo, Gralow, Hill and Curtis where he was selected as insurance lawyer of the year by Best Lawyers in America.

MARTY HOLLAND

Marty Holland is a retired brigadier general from the New Mexico Air National Guard where he served as the commander of the joint staff.  Holland currently works as an attorney and president of Holland Law P.C.

LEO MARQUEZ

Leo Marquez is a retired lieutenant general from the United States Air Force, where he served as a deputy chief of staff for logistics and engineering.

RICHARD PUGLISI

Richard Puglisi is a federal judge in Albuquerque.  Puglisi retired from military service in January of this year at the rank of colonel after a 30-year career in the Naval Reserve and the New Mexico National Guard.

Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today named event chairmen and officers to her inaugural committee for the historic occasion taking place in Santa Fe on January 1, 2011.  The Governor-Elect Martinez Inaugural Committee also provided preliminary scheduling information concerning inaugural events.

The inaugural event chairmen and officers will work with the committee’s leadership, former Senator and Honorary Chairman Pete Domenici and Executive Director Andrea Goff to ensure New Mexicans are able to share in the historical significance of the inauguration, and celebrate a bold and new beginning.

Governor-Elect Martinez Inaugural Committee Event Chairmen include:

KAY SHOLLENBARGER, CHAIRMAN, “BOLD INAUGURAL BALL COMMITTEE”

Kay Shollenbarger has previously chaired the New Mexico State Fair and has been involved in several past inaugural proceedings.

JANET GREEN, CO-CHAIRMAN,  “BOLD INAUGURAL BALL COMMITTEE”

Janet Green currently serves as director of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management at New Mexico State University.  Green previously served as tourism secretary for Governor Gary Johnson.  She served as an official in Johnson’s inaugural proceedings.

RITA NUNEZ-GALLEGOS, CO-CHAIRMAN,  “BOLD INAUGURAL BALL COMMITTEE”

Rita Nunez-Gallegos is a former deputy chief of staff for administration for Governor Gary Johnson.   She also served as an official in Johnson’s inaugural proceedings.

AGNES MALDONADO, CHAIRMAN, “CHILDREN’S INAUGURAL BALL COMMITTEE”

Agnes Maldonado assisted Governor-elect Martinez during her gubernatorial campaign.

AMY ORLANDO, CHAIRMAN, “LAS CRUCES INAUGURAL SEND-OFF GALA”

Amy Orlando is currently the chief deputy district attorney for the 3rd Judicial District in Doña Ana County.  Orlando has been a long-time friend, associate and advisor to the incoming governor.

Governor-Elect Martinez Inaugural Committee Officers include:

ASHLEY BUNCH

Ashley Bunch assisted Governor-elect Martinez during her gubernatorial campaign.

JESSICA PEREZ

Jessica Perez is the former deputy finance director for Congressman Steve Pearce.

MARIE VULAJ

Marie Vulaj is the former finance director for Susana Martinez for Governor.

Governor-Elect Martinez Inaugural Committee preliminary scheduling information includes:

Governor-elect Martinez will begin her journey to Santa Fe in her home of Las Cruces at the “Las Cruces Inaugural Send-Off Gala” on Thursday, December 30, 2010.  The event is invitation only.

The inaugural ceremony where Governor Susana Martinez is sworn in will be held for the first time in the Plaza in Santa Fe.  The inauguration begins at 10:00 a.m. on January 1, 2011.  The ceremony is open to the public.

The reception subsequent to the inauguration will be held at the Fine Arts Museum in Santa Fe.  The reception takes place from 12:00 p.m. through 3:00 p.m. on January 1, 2011.  The reception is open to the public.

The first “Children’s Inaugural Ball” will be held at the Children’s Museum in Santa Fe, and include food and dancing.  The ball takes place from 2:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. on January 1, 2011.  The ball is open to children ages 5-11 with one adult in attendance.

The “Bold Inaugural Ball” will be held at the Sweeney Convention Center in Santa Fe.  It will contain several themed rooms, including one honoring military, law enforcement, police and firemen named “To All Who Have Served.”  Susana Martinez is Governor-elect of New Mexico and Doña Ana County District Attorney, her husband Chuck Franco is Doña Ana County Undersheriff, and her step son Carlo served in the U.S. Navy and is a volunteer fire fighter.  Another themed room will be “Hispanic Heritage” honoring Governor-elect Susana Martinez as the first elected female governor of Hispanic descent in America’s two-hundred year plus history.  The ball takes place at 8:00 p.m. on January 1, 2011.  It will include over 2,000 people from all over the State of New Mexico.  It will be the first time an inaugural ball is held in one location with several themed events for people to visit throughout the evening.  The event is invitation only.

All inaugural events are supported by private donations and donors will be publicly disclosed.  After inaugural event expenses are paid, all remaining contributions will be donated to New Mexico S.A.F.E. Houses throughout the state, which provide shelter and empower survivors of intimate partner domestic violence.  For more information on these events contact the Governor-Elect Martinez Inaugural Committee at 505-872-2070.

Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Department of Veterans’ Services Review Team.  These individuals will conduct a review of the Department of Veterans’ Services prior to January 1, 2011 in order to find efficiencies and promote greater streamlining in state government.

The members of the Department of Veterans’ Services Review Team include:

SHERMAN MCCORKLE, CHAIRMAN

Sherman McCorkle is president and chief executive officer of Technology Ventures Corporation.  McCorkle recently served as chairman of the transition for Albuquerque Mayor R.J. Berry.  He is founder and charter director of New Mexico Bank and Trust, has served on the board of governors of United Way of America and as a national trustee of the National Jewish Medical Research Center, served as chairman of the board of Albuquerque Economic Development and vice chair of the board and director of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce.  McCorkle served in the U.S. Air Force as a Vietnam-era veteran.

JOE CANGIOLOSI

Joe Cangiolosi served nine years in the Army National Guard in both an active duty and reserve role.  Cangiolosi worked for Grumman on the space program from 1964 –1969 and was a part of Apollo 11.  He was a small business owner, international director for the continent of Africa at Hosanna for over 16 years and is currently the senior pastor at Glory Christian Fellowship Church.

JULIE DREIKE

Julie Dreike has nearly 20 years experience in health care administration, including 15 years in long-term care administration.  Dreike previously served as quality manager for the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) and served as district director for Congresswoman Heather Wilson.

BRENT EASTWOOD

Brent Eastwood is a former U.S. Army Infantry Officer and Distinguished Military Graduate with five years military experience. Eastwood has earned a PhD in political science/public policy and MA in political science/international relations, MS in journalism and a BA in English.  He is currently an adjunct lecturer at the University of New Mexico.  He was also an adjunct professor at the George Mason University School of Public Policy where he taught graduate seminars in national security, governance and public policy.

TIM HALE

Tim Hale is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel.  Hale is a resident of New Mexico and small business owner.

STATE SENATOR BILL PAYNE

Bill Payne is a member of the New Mexico state Senate who currently sits as the Republican Whip.  Payne holds a JD from the University of New Mexico and MA from Georgetown University.  He previously was in the U.S. Navy where he rose to the rank of Rear Admiral.

FERMINE RUBIO

Fermine Rubio is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and currently the U.S. Air Force Reserves along with the New Mexico Air National Guard.  Rubio is a former Las Cruces attorney and recently retired as a state employee.

KEN SCARBOUGH

Ken Scarborough is a partner at Avedis Development Group, LLC in Taos.  Scarborough retired from the U.S. Army as a former primary command officer of the military police brigade.

CHARLIE THOMAS

Charlie Thomas is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy.  Thomas is the former wing commander of Kirtland Air Force base and former General Services cabinet secretary under Governor Garrey Carruthers.  He has served as a KOAT military analyst over 20 years.

Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Governor-Elect’s Aviation Safety Review Team.  These individuals reflect the Governor-elect’s belief that any aircraft flying over New Mexico should be maintained safely and operated properly.  Due to the fact that questions have been raised about the safe operation of state aircraft, the Governor-elect has asked a group of experts to review the matter and provide a preliminary assessment of the maintenance condition and operational safety of state government aircraft.  In addition, the Governor-Elect’s Aviation Safety Review Team will make recommendations about the future use of the air fleet during these difficult economic times.

The members of the Governor-Elect’s Aviation Safety Review Team include:

JOHN D. “MIKE” RICE, CHAIRMAN

Mike Rice is a retired brigadier general from the New Mexico Air National Guard and Arkansas Air National Guard.  Rice currently works as an aviation consultant, and served as the director of aviation for the City of Albuquerque and director of the aviation division for the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

MIKE ARIAS

Mike Arias has is a retired chief master sergeant with the Air National Guard and worked in aviation quality assurance for 15 years.

TERRY O’BRIEN

Terry O’Brien has been involved in aviation since 1972.  O’Brien currently owns and operates A&P Services LLC, an aircraft maintenance company in Edgewood.  He served as the director of maintenance for a FAR Part 141 flight school in Georgia, and mechanic for a FAR Part 135 repair station and a 135 charter company in Albuquerque.

RICHARD PERRY

Richard L. Perry is a retired colonel with the U.S. Air Force, and has a broad background in aviation operations and maintenance.  Perry served as the director of engineering and system safety at the U.S. Air Force Safety Center and ran the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airworthiness Assurance NDI Validation Center before starting his own consulting company providing aviation safety management and forensic engineering services.  He holds an airline transport pilot certificate and served as chief pilot for an FAA certificated flight school.

STEVEN SUDDARTH

Steve is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, and currently the director of the Configurable Space Microsystems Innovation and Applications Center (COSMIAC) at the University of New Mexico, as well as the owner of a small airborne surveillance and imaging-related company.  Suddarth has developed several airborne imaging systems for the U.S. military.

ED WHITWORTH

Ed Whitworth retired from the New Mexico Air National Guard as the 150th Logistics Group Commander.  Whitworth is an aircraft maintenance officer and aircraft chief of maintenance for A7D and F16 aircraft.

Albuquerque – Today, Governor-elect Susana Martinez nominated Gorden Edward Eden, Jr. to serve as her secretary of the Department of Public Safety.  Eden is a highly-skilled executive with a solid and decorated record of service to New Mexico and our nation.  Eden has over 30 years experience in both private and public sector organizations, in addition to training and employee development.

In nominating Eden, Governor-elect Susana Martinez stated, “As a member of law enforcement, I know that Gorden is a serious and accomplished person who will dedicate himself to ensuring New Mexico is a safer and stronger place.  As secretary, he will make fighting public corruption a top priority.”

Gorden Eden will keep New Mexico more secure by having safer roads and communities, as well as working with state employees  to make organizational improvements.  Throughout his career, Eden has a proven history of developing and successfully implementing strategic plans, crisis intervention and resolving complex problems.  Eden previously served as the United States Marshal for the District of New Mexico and worked in that capacity since 2002.  He has served the State of New Mexico in various posts, such as division director for the Motor Vehicle Division of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, bureau chief for the Training and Recruiting Division of the Department of Public Safety and senior special agent in the Special Investigations Unit of the Department of Justice – State of New Mexico, among numerous others.

In response to his nomination as the secretary of the Department of Public Safety, Eden said, “It is my sincere honor to serve under Governor-elect Susana Martinez.  As someone who has dedicated her life to law enforcement and public service, I know the Governor-elect is committed to increasing the safety and security of New Mexico’s citizens.  There is quite a lot of work to do, and I look forward to joining the Governor-elect’s team and beginning to serve the people of New Mexico in a new capacity.”