Albuquerque – Governor-elect Susana Martinez today announced the members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Public Education & Higher Education 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 reforming education to achieve accountability and results in the classroom at all levels, enabling every New Mexican to reach their dreams.
The Search Committee will recommend candidates for Cabinet secretaries for both departments. The members of the Governor-Elect Martinez Public Education & Higher Education Search Committee include:
DR. JOSE GARCIA, CHAIRMAN
Dr. Jose Garcia is an associate professor at New Mexico State University teaching courses in Latin American Politics, New Mexico Politics, U.S./Mexico Border Policy, and Introduction to Political Science. Garcia has published articles in Current History, Policy Studies Journal, Western Political Quarterly, Aportes, Military Review (Latin American Edition) and The World and I. Dr. Garcia was the Party Chairman of the Doña Ana County Democratic Party from 1979-1983.
JACK FORTNER
Jack L. Fortner is an attorney in Farmington, where he has served as San Juan County Commissioner and an alternate municipal judge. Fortner has been a member of the University of New Mexico Regents since 1999. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from University of New Mexico and juris doctor from the University of Michigan.
MICHELLE GARCIA
Michelle Garcia teaches fourth grade at Sweeney Elementary School in Santa Fe. Previously, Garcia worked with the U.S. Corp of Engineers. She graduated from New Mexico Highlands with a B.S. in Biology. Garcia was born in Española and raised in Santa Fe.
BRADLEY C. HOSMER
Brad Hosmer is the chairman of the board of the Armed Forces Services Corporation, a company that helps military personnel returning from combat with medical problems, and their survivors. He has worked to improve education as the president of the National Defense University, as superintendent of the Air Force Academy, and as a member of the Governing Council of East Mountain High School, a successful New Mexico charter school. He served 35 years in the Air Force in command, combat and staff positions and retired as a three-star general.
KARI MITCHELL
Kari Mitchell is chief executive officer of Las Cruces Machine Manufacturing & Engineering, Inc. Mitchell has also developed the Regional Education Initiative, which was a precursor to The Bridge of Southern New Mexico.
MIKE PHIPPS
Mike Phipps currently serves as superintendent of schools for the Artesia Public School District, a position he has held since 1992. Phipps began his career in education with Artesia Public Schools and has served since 1970 as a teacher, coach, high school principal and superintendent.
Gregory McClure is the Senior Manager of the public relations and communications group, which oversees Sandia National Laboratories K-12 and other education programs. He has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of New Mexico and served as an Albuquerque Public School Teacher from 1972 to 1986.