NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has selected a new Public Education Department Secretary. The governor selected Mariana Padilla as the new cabinet secretary.
Padilla has served as the director of the New Mexico Children’s Cabinet under Grisham. “Mariana’s deep roots in New Mexico and her lifelong commitment to children and families make her the right leader for this moment,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “Her work has been instrumental in shaping our state’s education system, and I am confident that she will continue to bring positive change for New Mexico’s students.”
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She replaces Arsenio Romero, who resigned from the position late last month. Romero is one of the five finalists for New Mexico State University president. A spokesperson for the governor’s office said Romero was given the option to withdraw his candidacy for the position or resign as PED secretary.