Our Leadership

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. In this role, Padilla has shaped program, policy, and budget priorities and worked across state agencies to implement key initiatives and system-wide improvements. Her accomplishments include establishing the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, launching a statewide literacy initiative, and driving the Governor’s Cradle to Career education agenda, which supports students from birth through college and career readiness.

An Albuquerque native, Padilla attended Albuquerque Public Schools with her three siblings. After graduating from the University of New Mexico, Padilla followed in her parents’ footsteps and taught elementary education. She has since dedicated her career to education and public service, serving the communities and families of our state.

As a parent of grade school students, Padilla understands the urgency of delivering for our kids.