Our Leadership

Kaltenbach brings more than two decades of leadership in public policy, health care reform, and advocacy, as well as a strong track-record of advancing services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and communities across New Mexico. Kaltenbach will join the administration on November 4, 2024.

Jeff M. Witte currently is President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, a past president of the Western United States Agriculture Trade Association and on the board and past president of the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Alisha Tafoya Lucero has nearly two decades of experience in the New Mexico Corrections Department, beginning in 2001 as a classification officer and serving as Deputy Warden and Interim Warden of the Penitentiary of New Mexico and Interim Warden of Springer Correctional Facility.

Debra Garcia y Griego was previously the director of the city of Santa Fe Arts Commission, a position she held since 2012, during which time she led the city’s efforts to support arts and cultural affairs. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.

Rob Black was named Cabinet Secretary designee of Economic Development by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in September 2024. As Secretary of Economic Development, Black oversees the state’s efforts to foster economic growth, support businesses, and create jobs across New Mexico.

Melanie A. Kenderdine was appointed Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) in May 2024. She brings a wealth of experience in energy policy, technology, and innovation to her role, with a focus on advancing New Mexico’s leadership in clean energy and resource management.

Wayne Propst has two decades of experience in state and federal government and financial management, including nearly a decade as executive director of the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico, where he oversaw a $15.5 billion trust fund and worked with Gov. Lujan Grisham to enact comprehensive pension reform to improve the fund’s long-term solvency.

Robert E. Doucette, Jr. has been in public service for over 25 years. He worked at the WCA from April, 2011 to May, 2015, overseeing the agency’s operations and support functions. He has served as deputy manager of Sandoval County and was Deputy Superintendent of Insurance for New Mexico from 2015 to 2021.

Major General Miguel Aguilar serves as the Adjutant General for the State of New Mexico and the Acting Cabinet Secretary for the State’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Josett Monette is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. She currently serves as the Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD). As Cabinet Secretary, Josett oversees IAD’s programs, including tribal environmental, tribal consultation, and MMIP initiatives. Her General Counsel work consists of providing advice and counsel on a variety state and tribal matters and advising the Department on a variety of internal policies.

Manny Barreras brings a wealth of expertise to the role of Cabinet Secretary designee for the New Mexico Department of Technology, with 26 years of professional experience in sales and business development, including 22 years dedicated to technical sales, marketing management, and public relations.

Charles Reado serves as the acting executive director of the Office of African American Affairs. He has dedicated his life to public service, serving in the armed forces, in law enforcement, as a first responder, and in New Mexico state government.

Mariana Padilla was named Cabinet Secretary designee for the New Mexico Public Education Department in September 2024.

Padilla has served as the Director of the New Mexico Children’s Cabinet since the start of the administration, leading the Governor’s child and family well-being agenda. She also serves as the Governor’s senior education policy advisor, overseeing early childhood, K-12, and higher education.

Clay Bailey has been appointed Superintendent of the Regulation and Licensing Department, and will continue to oversee the Construction Industries Division and the Manufactured Housing Division.

Stephanie Schardin Clarke has over 20 years of experience in New Mexico government administration. She previously served as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Finance and Administration, Director of the State Board of Finance, and as Santa Fe County Finance Director.

Ricky Serna has worked in state government for over a dozen years and previously served as acting leadership for the Department of Workforce Solutions and the State Personnel Office. Prior to joining the administration he served as the interim president at Luna Community College.

Brigadier General Jamison Herrera is a native of New Mexico and has completed 34 years of service to our great state and nation. He enlisted as a Private First Class in 1989 as a member of the 515th Maintenance Battalion in Santa Fe and went on to receive his commission through the Officer Candidate School class 33-91. He is currently assigned as Deputy Adjutant General for the New Mexico National Guard.