Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today issued the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day:

“This Veterans Day we should each take time to remember the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.  Each one of these individuals volunteers to serve their fellow citizens, and defend our freedoms and democracy.  As Governor-elect, I want to share my gratitude to our veterans and thank them for their service to both New Mexico and our country.”

Albuquerque – The below letter was sent today to Governor Bill Richardson’s Chief of Staff Brian Condit:

Brian Condit
Chief of Staff
Governor Bill Richardson
Santa Fe, NM

Dear Brian,

In my first communication to you on November 4, 2010, I asked you suspend any transfers of personnel from exempt positions to classified positions effective immediately.  I suggested if there are particularly compelling circumstances, we should discuss them on a case-by-case basis.

Today’s Albuquerque Journal reports that, “More of Gov. Bill Richardson’s political appointees have slid into career civil service jobs with state government in recent months … Appointees, or so-called exempt employees, serve at the pleasure of the governor.”

These kinds of personnel actions in the waning days of an administration certainly seem to circumvent the will of the people of New Mexico who voted in a new administration into office just a week ago.  The fact that some of these employees are apparently moving into jobs with very high salaries when there is a freeze in place for hiring and a $250 million-plus state budget deficit is inappropriate.

The Governor-elect has made clear that current employees are welcome to apply for jobs in her administration.  She is looking for highly-qualified people of character who share her vision for the state of New Mexico.

I am reiterating my request that you immediately suspend any transfers of political appointees to classified posts.

Furthermore, I wish to inform you that any employee who moves from an exempt to classified position after November 3, 2010 without prior discussion with the Transition Committee on a case-by-case basis will immediately be terminated upon the swearing in of Governor-elect Susana Martinez on January 1, 2011.

Sincerely,

Heather Wilson
Chairman, Governor-Elect Martinez Transition Committee

Cc: Director of State Personnel
Cc: New Mexico Cabinet Secretaries

Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Governor-Elect’s Health, Human Services, and Children, Youth & Families Search Committee.  These individuals will work with the transition committee’s chairman, former Congresswoman Heather Wilson, to identify and recommend cabinet officials and other leaders who will reflect the governor-elect’s commitment to ensuring New Mexico’s heath promotion and improvement, equal participation in our communities, and support and assistance for our state’s most precious asset – its children.

The members of the Governor-Elect’s Health, Human Services and Children, Youth & Families Search Committee include:

STEVE KOMADINA, CHAIRMAN

A dedicated civic leader, Steve Komadina is a lifelong resident of New Mexico and served in the New Mexico state Senate.  A veteran of the U.S. Navy and a scout leader for over 40 years, he has practiced as a medical doctor since 1970 and served as president of the New Mexico State Medical Society.

REBECCA DOW

Rebecca Dow is the founder and director of AppleTree Educational Center, a nationally-accredited, faith-based not-for-profit located in Sierra.  Dow also serves as the secretary and policy chair of the New Mexico Child Care and Education Association, founding member of the N.M. Early Childhood Alliance, secretary for the New Mexico Association of Non-Public Schools, has served as state representative at the national level for the Council of American Private Education and Pre-K Now, and is a founding member and president of the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra County.

JULIE DRIEKE

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

JIM HINTON

Jim Hinton has been the president and chief executive officer of Presbyterian Healthcare Services since 1995.  Hinton serves as a member of the Presbyterian Board of Directors and chair of the Presbyterian Health Plan Board of Directors and will be serving on the Board of Trustees for the American Hospital Association starting next year.  In 2005, he received the Foundation Open Government Freedom of Speech award.  Leadership Albuquerque named him “Outstanding Leader” in 2002 and The Health Care Forum named him “One of the Nation’s Four Emerging Leaders” in 1993.

STEVE MARTINEZ

Steve Martinez recently retired after 27 years of service at the State Hospital, now known as the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute as interim executive hospital administrator. Martinez is a lifelong resident of Mora, New Mexico.

KATHY MCCOY

Kathy McCoy just completed her third term in the New Mexico House of Representatives after choosing not to seek re-election.  Prior to McCoy’s service in the state house, she ran a non-profit addressing land, water and development issues in the East Mountains.

STEVE SMOTHERMON

Steve Smotherman is the pastor at Legacy Church.  Smotherman is actively involved in the community, state and global care and support of fire and police personnel, Make -A-Wish, Operation Smile along with a multitude of other organizations.

BARBARA LUNA TEDROW

Barbara Tedrow owns and operates a private childcare center in Farmington and has done so for the last 11 years. They serve over 180 children, ages six weeks to 12 years.  Tedrow’s childcare center is the only CYFD facility that has the New Mexico Pre-K Grant in San Juan County.  Tedrow has been an officer on the New Mexico Childcare and Education Association for the past eight years.

KERRY WEEMS

In January 2009, Kerry Weems ended a 28-year career with the Federal government and held the position of administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as serving as vice chairman of the American Health Information Community.  In those capacities, Weems implemented the Medicare e-prescribing program, began pilot projects for electronic and personal health records, and instituted a number of landmark payment reforms, including non-payment for certain medical errors.  Prior to that, he served in a number of senior positions at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Weems received a Bachelor of Science from New Mexico State University and an M.B.A. from the University of New Mexico.

Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Governor-Elect Martinez General Counsel Search Committee.  These individuals will work with the transition committee’s chairman, former Congresswoman Heather Wilson to identify the person who will serve as Governor-elect Susana Martinez’s legal counsel.

The members of the Governor-Elect Martinez General Counsel Search Committee include:

PAUL KIENZLE, CHAIRMAN

Paul Kienzle is a partner at Scott & Kienzle, P.A.  Kienzle practices law in numerous areas, including commercial litigation, civil litigation, collections, foreclosures, creditor bankruptcy, business law, corporate law, insurance subrogation and Indian Law.  Kienzle was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in 1993 and Illinois Bar in 1992.  He is a member of the Board of Litigation, Mountain States Legal Foundation and author of “Recent Decisions Article” published by the Illinois Bar Journal.

MAX BEST

Max Best is the sole shareholder, director and president of R. Max Best P.A., which has practice areas in estate planning, probate, tax planning, elder law and trust work, as well as agriculture, real estate and entity formation.  Prior to private practice, Best served as general counsel to Governor Gary Carruthers, director and chair of the real estate, probate and trust law section as well as the business law section of the State Bar of New Mexico, president of the Curry-Roosevelt County Bar Association and was a member of the steering committee, which adopted and drafted the New Mexico Limited Liability Company Act.  He is a member of the State Bars of New Mexico and Texas, and serves on numerous boards and is active in various organizations.

BILL LUTZ

Bill Lutz is a practicing attorney in Las Cruces.  Lutz is the former United States Attorney for the district of New Mexico from 1982 to 1991.  He currently, sits as the President of the National Association of Former United States Attorneys.

DUNCAN SCOTT

Duncan Scott is a partner at Scott & Kienzle, P.A.  Scott is engaged in various areas of the law practicing in commercial litigation, civil litigation, creditor bankruptcy and real estate.  Duncan became a member of the New Mexico Bar in 1987, and has also been admitted to the Montana Bar in 1982, Alaska Bar in 1985 and Colorado Bar in 1990.  He previously served as New Mexico’s assistant attorney general, as a legislative aide to Congressman Ron Marlenee, member of the Judicial Selection Task Force, and serves on numerous boards and foundations.  Scott was a member and managing editor of the University of Montana Law Review.

Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Governor-Elect Tourism & Cultural Affairs Search Committee.  These individuals will work with the transition committee’s chairman, former Congresswoman Heather Wilson to identify and recommend cabinet officials and other leaders who will reflect the governor-elect’s commitment to promoting New Mexico’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, which makes the state unlike any other – attracting thousands of visitors each year helping create jobs and grow the economy.

The members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Tourism & Cultural Affairs Search Committee include:

JANET GREEN, CHAIRMAN

Janet Green is the director of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management at New Mexico State University.  Green served as deputy cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary for New Mexico’s Tourism Department under Governor Gary Johnson.  Prior to that appointment, Green served as an executive assistant to Governor and Mrs. Garrey Carruthers.

STACY ABRUZZO

Stacy Abruzzo is a key contributor to the success of the Sandia Tram, which the Abruzzo family has owned for more than 40 years.  Prior to joining the family business, Abruzzo was a self-employed businesswoman.

JEFF ALFORD

Jeffrey A. Alford is professional in tourism and the general manager of New Mexico’s Land of Fire and Ice – The Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano.  Alford has been involved in his community, serving on a number of boards and service organizations including the Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Tourism Association of New Mexico.

JEREAN CAMUÑEZ HUTCHINSON

Jerean Camuñez Hutchinson is co-owner of the famed La Posta de Mesilla restaurant.  She has a BBA from New Mexico State University and a MS from George Washington University.  Her professional affiliations include serving as chair of the New Mexico State University Business Advisory Council, past president of the Las Cruces Catholic School Board, past president of the Old Mesilla Association, and various other boards and community associations.

SHARON SCHULTZ

Sharon Schultz has served in tourism leadership roles for over 20 years.  Schultz is currently the chief executive officer for the Tourism Association of New Mexico, a statewide membership organization comprised of businesses, organizations, communities and individuals working to advance New Mexico’s tourism industry.

MARY ANN WEEMS

Mary Ann Weems is the owner of an Albuquerque art gallery and host of the annual Weems Art Fest celebrating local artists.  Weems’ vision is to ensure that every one in the country can afford to purchase and enjoy beautiful works of art.

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Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Energy & Environment Search Committee.  These individuals will work with the transition committee’s chairman, former Congresswoman Heather Wilson to identify cabinet officials and other leaders who will reflect the governor-elect’s commitment to position New Mexico as a leader in developing its energy supplies, while promoting a clean and healthy environment.

The members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Energy & Environment Search Committee include:

PETE DOMENICI, JR., CHAIRMAN

Pete Domenici, Jr. is a principal at Domenici Law Firm, P.C. and has been practicing law since 1986.  Domenici serves as lead counsel in administrative, state and Federal court matters, including water rights adjudications, permits and permit modification, compliance orders, enforcement actions and litigation, land grant, real property litigation, and advising clients on environmental and natural resource project development strategies.

JOEL CARSON

Joel Carson is general counsel to a diverse group of companies involved in energy, agriculture, healthcare and other-related businesses.  From 1999 to 2008, Carson was a partner at the law firm of Hinkle, Hensley, Shanor & Martin, L.L.P. where his practice focused on natural resources.

CHUCK FRANCO

Chuck Franco is the husband of Governor-elect Martinez and his career in law enforcement spans nearly 30 years.  Currently Franco is the undersheriff of the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office.  Currently he is the undersheriff for Dona Ana County and has worked for Las Cruces Police Department, the New Mexico State University Police, the state Game and Fish Department and served as a Magistrate Judge in Dona Ana County.

ROY FARR

Roy Farr is a 4th generation rancher and member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association.

DR. DENNIS L. HJERESEN

Dennis L. Hjeresen serves as division leader for Environmental Protection at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) where he is responsible for regulatory compliance, permitting and risk reduction programs, as well as interaction with regulatory agencies.  Hjeresen previously served as LANL’s director of the Office of Risk Reduction.

T. GREG MERRION

T. Greg Merrion is the president of Merrion Oil & Gas, a second generation, family-owned independent producer based in Farmington.  Merrion is a past president of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico and past chairman of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association.  He is also a member of the New Mexico Amigos.

RANCE MILES

Rance Miles has a long history of service to the New Mexico dairy industry.  Currently, Miles is the chief operational officer and chief financial officer of Select Milk Producers, Continental Dairy Products and a member of the board of directors of Southwest Cheese.  Miles was also a member of the board of First National Bank from 1997 to 2007.

MARK MURPHY

Mark Murphy is president of Strata Production Company, an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, based in Roswell.  Murphy is a director and past president of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico, the immediate past chairman for the energy industry consortium Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America and serves as an industry advisor to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology’s Petroleum Recovery Research Center.

BILL HUMPHRIES

Humphries served as the New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands from 1987 to 1990, and is a lifelong rancher.  Humphries is a graduate of New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, and served on the Board of Regents for New Mexico State University from 1972 to 1984.

MARK VETETO

Mark Veteto is an oil and gas producer in Hobbs, New Mexico.  Veteto is the President of Metex Oil and Gas, Inc. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico and was born in Roswell, New Mexico.

RANDY VANDERDUSSEN

Randy Vanderdussen is the owner of Rajen Dairy in Clovis, NM.  Vanderdussen serves on the Board of Directors for Select Milk Producers, the Southwest Dairy Farmers Museum, and the Past President of the New Mexico Dairy Producers.

Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Chief of Staff Search Committee.  These individuals will work with the transition committee’s chairman, former Congresswoman Heather Wilson to identify the person who will serve as Governor-elect Susana Martinez’s chief of staff.

The members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Chief of Staff Search Committee include:

STEVE BELL, CHAIRMAN

Steve Bell is a visiting scholar at the Bipartisan Policy Center. Bell is also the founder of consulting firm Steve Bell, LLC.  Bell served as chief of staff to Senator Pete Domenici for eight years leading on issues concerning the budget, energy and natural resources, and appropriations.  Previously, Bell was the managing director at Salomon Brothers, and was nominated by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the Federal Thrift Savings Plan Board.

SUZANNE EISOLD

Suzanne Eisold is a partner with Alcalde & Fay.  Eisold served as chief of staff for 22 years to late Congressman Joe Skeen.  She managed and guided the Congressman’s legislative agenda on numerous issues, including agriculture, science and technology, and appropriations.  During her tenure, Skeen was a senior member of the Committee on Appropriations.  Prior to joining Skeen, she worked on several gubernatorial elections and at the Sandia National Laboratories.

LOU GALLEGOS

Lou Gallegos has served in numerous positions in government including assistant secretary for administration and chief of staff to former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.  Gallegos has also served as both acting secretary and secretary for the Human Services Department, president of GNA, Inc. in Rio Rancho, special representative to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, assistant secretary for policy, management and budget for the U.S. Department of the Interior, state director of the Farmers Home Administration and chief of staff to Senator Pete Domenici.

JAY MCCLESKEY

Jay McCleskey is a partner at the Lincoln Strategy Group, and Governor-elect Martinez’s lead political consultant, having served as her chief strategist and media consultant for her successful gubernatorial campaign.  In 2009, McCleskey served as Mayor Richard Berry’s chief strategist in his successful bid to become Albuquerque mayor.  From 2005 to 2009, McCleskey managed political operations in 10 states as the regional political director for the Republican National Committee after managing President George W. Bush’s successful Victory operation in New Mexico in 2004.

Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Energy & Environment Search Committee.  These individuals will work with the transition committee’s chairman, former Congresswoman Heather Wilson to identify cabinet officials and other leaders who will reflect the governor-elect’s commitment to position New Mexico as a leader in developing its energy supplies, while promoting a clean and healthy environment.

The members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Energy & Environment Search Committee include:

PETE DOMENICI, JR., CHAIRMAN

Pete Domenici, Jr. is a principal at Domenici Law Firm, P.C. and has been practicing law since 1986.  Domenici serves as lead counsel in administrative, state and Federal court matters, including water rights adjudications, permits and permit modification, compliance orders, enforcement actions and litigation, land grant, real property litigation, and advising clients on environmental and natural resource project development strategies.

JOEL CARSON

Joel Carson is general counsel to a diverse group of companies involved in energy, agriculture, healthcare and other-related businesses.  From 1999 to 2008, Carson was a partner at the law firm of Hinkle, Hensley, Shanor & Martin, L.L.P. where his practice focused on natural resources.

CHUCK FRANCO

Chuck Franco is the husband of Governor-elect Martinez and his career in law enforcement spans nearly 30 years.  Currently Franco is the undersheriff of the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office.  Currently he is the undersheriff for Dona Ana County and has worked for Las Cruces Police Department, the New Mexico State University Police, the state Game and Fish Department and served as a Magistrate Judge in Dona Ana County.

ROY FARR

Roy Farr is a 4th generation rancher and member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association.

DR. DENNIS L. HJERESEN

Dennis L. Hjeresen serves as division leader for Environmental Protection at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) where he is responsible for regulatory compliance, permitting and risk reduction programs, as well as interaction with regulatory agencies.  Hjeresen previously served as LANL’s director of the Office of Risk Reduction.

T. GREG MERRION

T. Greg Merrion is the president of Merrion Oil & Gas, a second generation, family-owned independent producer based in Farmington.  Merrion is a past president of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico and past chairman of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association.  He is also a member of the New Mexico Amigos.

RANCE MILES

Rance Miles has a long history of service to the New Mexico dairy industry.  Currently, Miles is the chief operational officer and chief financial officer of Select Milk Producers, Continental Dairy Products and a member of the board of directors of Southwest Cheese.  Miles was also a member of the board of First National Bank from 1997 to 2007.

MARK MURPHY

Mark Murphy is president of Strata Production Company, an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, based in Roswell.  Murphy is a director and past president of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico, the immediate past chairman for the energy industry consortium Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America and serves as an industry advisor to the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology’s Petroleum Recovery Research Center.

Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Department of Corrections Search Committee.  These individuals will work with the transition committee’s chairman, former Congresswoman Heather Wilson to identify cabinet officials and other leaders who will reflect the governor-elect’s commitment to the rule of law and its implementation.

The members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Department of Corrections Search Committee include:

ROB PERRY, CHAIRMAN

Rob Perry is the city attorney for the City of Albuquerque.  He served as head of New Mexico’s Department of Corrections under Governor Gary Johnson and as an assistant attorney general under Tom Udall.  He was also the deputy director of the Department of Public Safety with the New Mexico State Police.

ELMER BUSTOS

Elmer Bustos retired from state government in 2006 after 26-plus years of service with the New Mexico Department of Corrections.  Bustos attended Highlands University and the University of New Mexico receiving a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education.  He was born and raised in northern New Mexico in the Española Valley.

CALEB CHANDLER

Caleb Chandler was a uniformed police officer for the Clovis Police Department for over 20 years.  Chandler retired as the chief of police.  He also served for 12 years in the New Mexico state Senate.

GREGG MARCANTEL

Gregg Marcantel is a captain with the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Department.  Marcantel’s career in law enforcement spans more than 30 years.  He has been recognized nationally for developing a domestic violence prevention program.

ALFONSO SOLIS

Alfonso Solis is currently the administrator for both the Adult and Juvenile Detention Centers in Roswell.  Prior to that, Solis served as the detention center administrator for the Doña Ana Detention Center.  He retired from the United States Marshals Service in 1998 after a distinguished 21-year career.