While much of the public attention on the administration of Gov.-elect Susana Martinez has focused on her choices to fill Cabinet posts, she also has been assembling a group of behind-the-scenes people who are just as important to the inner workings of state government.
So far, her executive team includes two former state lawmakers, a former legislative aide, two lawyers, a small-business vice president and a spokesman.
Several worked on the Las Cruces Republican's successful campaign. However, some just met her during the job-interview process. The average age of the team members is 36.2.
The employees' salaries have yet to be decided, a spokesman said, as Martinez is still reviewing the budget for the Governor's Office. She plans to reduce the combined salary expenses of the office by 10 percent from that of the current administration, spokesman Danny Diaz said.
Her team members include:
KEITH GARDNER
Position: Chief of staff
Hometown: Roswell
Age: 43
Education and experience related to job: Gardner is currently the New Mexico House of Representatives minority whip, a post from which he plans to resign.
He is the managing partner of Sprint Sports Rehabilitation Clinic in Roswell.
Goals: "To assist Governor Martinez in her efforts to lead an efficient, streamlined state government and to foster a pro-growth economic agenda that creates jobs for New Mexicans."
Why he accepted this job: "It is exciting to be part of a team that will help bring the bold change to New Mexico that Gov.-elect Martinez pledged during the campaign. We have the opportunity to provide meaningful improvements in the lives of New Mexicans."
RYAN CANGIOLOSI
Position: Deputy chief of staff for boards and commissions, constituent services and Cabinet
Hometown: Albuquerque
Age: 39
Education and experience related to job: Cangiolosi most recently served as director of personnel for the transition and was campaign manager for Martinez's gubernatorial campaign. He was vice president and business manager of Jalapeno Corp., an oil and energy company connected with state GOP chairman Harvey Yates. He also is an officer in the Naval Reserve.
Cangiolosi has a bachelor of arts and a master's of business administration from The University of New Mexico.
Goals: "To ensure that the Governor's office and New Mexico's state government are responsive to the people, that the process of staffing boards and commissions is efficient, and that these entities produce positive results for New Mexico."
Why he accepted this job: "I look forward to employing my skills and experience in management to benefit the State of New Mexico and help Gov.-elect Martinez implement her plans of a more efficient and effective government."
BRIAN MOORE
Position: Deputy chief of staff and legislative director for policy and Cabinet
Hometown: Clayton
Age: 58
Education and experience related to job: Moore, a former state representative, was director of policy planning for the Martinez transition team. Moore owns a grocery store in Clayton and was a candidate for lieutenant governor in 2010.
Goals: "To ensure that we produce pro-growth economic policies that create jobs throughout New Mexico, as well as ensure that every child has access to a quality education, with resources focusing on investment in the classroom."
