SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday announced her sole nominee to the state Ethics Commission, who will serve as the commission’s chair, per state statute.

The Hon. William F. Lang is a well-respected jurist who worked in New Mexico law for nearly 40 years and continues to serve the community. He served three years as a Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Judge, including a stint as Chief Judge, before serving as a District Court Judge for fifteen years, including five years as Chief Judge. Before his time in the judicial field, Lang worked as a Family Court Hearing Officer and worked in private practice. He continues to serve as a mediator and arbitrator in both civil and commercial cases around the state. Raised in Albuquerque, Lang earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico and a law degree from the UNM School of Law.

The New Mexico Ethics Commission, the constitutional authorization of which was overwhelmingly approved by New Mexico voters last fall, will comprise seven members who may initiate complaints, issue advisory opinions and petition a court to furnish subpoenas so as to facilitate investigations, among other powers and duties. Gov. Lujan Grisham signed the commission’s authorizing legislation in March.