HispanicBusiness

Why he accepted this job: "I'm excited to work on behalf of the Martinez Administration with the legislature in a bipartisan manner to find solutions to the state's budget crisis, to reform education, and end the fraud and abuse that has plagued Santa Fe in the past."

SCOTT DARNELL

Position: Communications director

Hometown: Farmington

Age: 26

Education and experience related to job: Darnell is a former communications director for the state Republican Party.

He graduated from UNM and received a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He most recently completed his work as a teaching fellow in the Department of Government at Harvard University.

Goals: "To assist Gov.-elect Martinez in the communication of her decisions, plans and priorities to the people of New Mexico, and to keep the public informed on the activities of state government."

Why he accepted this job: "It is an honor to serve on an executive leadership team that will help Gov.-elect Martinez bring bold change and necessary reform to New Mexico; our state is rich in history and tradition, and I'm excited to assist the governor-elect in communicating her vision for the future and the execution of her plans for turning our state around."

JESSICA HERNANDEZ

Position: General counsel

Hometown: Albuquerque

Age: 30

Education and experience related to job: Hernandez most recently was a director in the litigation department in the Albuquerque office of Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, PA. There, she specialized in cases involving product, premises and general liability matters.

A UNM grad, Hernandez was the youngest member of the New Mexico State Bar in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Goals: "To serve and assist Gov.-elect Martinez as she seeks to enact bold change in New Mexico by providing sound legal advice and fostering the highest standard of ethics in the state government's dealings with the public."

Why she accepted this job: "Gov.-elect Martinez has an inspiring story of service and a commitment to moving New Mexico in a new direction; it is an honor to support her and be a part of achieving real, lasting results for New Mexico families."

MATTHEW STACKPOLE

Position: Assistant general counsel.

Hometown: Albuquerque

Age: 28

Education and experience related to job: Stackpole, a UNM grad, served as director of support and coordination for the transition and as deputy director of campaign operations for the campaign. He previously worked with Richard Berry's campaign for mayor of Albuquerque and has done field operations for the Republican Party of New Mexico.

Goals: "To assist the general counsel in providing legal advice to Martinez as she seeks to balance the state budget, reform our education system, end the corruption that has plagued New Mexico and create jobs for New Mexicans."

Why he accepted this job: "I believe in the mission of Gov.-elect Martinez -- a district attorney for 13 years -- to end the practice of 'pay to play' corruption that has unfortunately become all too common in New Mexico."

MATT KENNICOTT

Position: Director of policy and planning

Hometown: Santa Fe

Age: 30

Education and experience related to job: Kennicott served as the director of legislative and constituent affairs on the transition team and worked on the campaign as well. He's a former chief of staff for the New Mexico House of Representatives Republican caucus.

Goals: "Two major goals I would like to be a part of achieving would be to close the budget shortfall and improve the student achievement gap in New Mexico classrooms."

Why he accepted this job: "This is an exciting time in our state's history and New Mexicans have asked for serious change in the policies of state government; it is exciting to have the opportunity to help produce policies that will better the lives of New Mexico families."