This just in from Santa Fe County: Commissioners have selected Gov. Bill Richardson's Secretary of Finance and Administration, Katherine Miller, as the next County Manager.
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. She will replace Roman Abeyta, who resigned amid a criminal corruption investigation involving local contractor Advantage Asphalt.
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Here's the full text of the press release from Santa Fe County:
Tuesday July 27, 2010 2:15 PM MDT
Katherine B. Miller, Next County Manager
Santa Fe – July 27, 2010 – The Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners (BCC) is pleased to announce Katherine B. Miller, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration will be the next Santa Fe County Manager. She will start her duties September 2, 2010. Her contract provides for a three-year term with an annual salary of $155K. The BCC feels Millers education, background experience, and expertise makes her very qualified for this position. She has extensive knowledge of Santa Fe County, local government issues, and expertise in managing complex organizations. Miller’s background prepares her to manage the daily operations of Santa Fe County with 900 employees and a $200 million operating and capital annual budget. Many Santa Fe County employees worked with Miller, while she was employed with Santa Fe County in Procurement and Finance, from November 1997 through April 2003.
“I feel fortunate to be given this opportunity to return to Santa Fe County as County Manager, I am looking forward to working with the commission, county employees and the local community to move forward through the current economic environment,” stated Katherine Miller.
Over the last twelve years in New Mexico, Miller’s professional and personal integrity have provided direction and leadership in local and state government in a multitude of areas. These include comprehensive budget development, short and long range capital planning and financing, development and implementation of operating efficiencies, public policy development, and program management. She has managed several departments and agencies of varying sizes including overseeing the payroll of over 25,000 state employees, developing a $6 billion general fund state budget, managing an agency budget of $90 million, and running a housing agency with over $2 billion in assets.
“Ms. Miller will bring sound fiscal management skills to Santa Fe County and this is exactly what the County needs at this point in time." Commission Chair Harry Montoya continued, "Her employment contract will allow her the necessary time to make a difference in Santa Fe County Government and all County residents will benefit as a result of her leadership," said Commission Chair, Harry Montoya.
Commissioner Virginia Vigil, an advocate for hiring Miller said, “Her interview was superb. Ms. Miller will affect the change that is necessary at the County. During her interview when asked about policy, Ms. Miller responded, ‘One of the most important policy documents a public entity has is its budget, it is where policy positions become reality. A well developed budget and good financial records are a strong foundation for good public policy.’”
“Katherine Miller is exactly what the County needs,” stated Commissioner Kathy Holian, continuing, “She has such a breadth of knowledge and expertise, especially in finance. Santa Fe County needs a strong manager to deal with the financial challenges it is facing and set the right tone for our County government.”
Update 2:50pm
: Here's a related announcement from Richardson's office.
Governor Bill Richardson Congratulates Katherine Miller on New Job Opportunity
Dannette Burch Replaces Miller as Finance Secretary
SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today announced that Katherine Miller is leaving her position as Secretary of the Department of Finance & Administration to become the Santa Fe County Manager.
Governor Richardson has appointed Dannette Burch to replace Miller as Finance Secretary, effective Sept. 2. Burch has served as Deputy Secretary and State Budget Officer for the department since 2003.
“Katherine Miller made several significant contributions to our administration and did an excellent job as finance secretary at a time when we had to make some tough, but necessary budget decisions,” Governor Richardson. “The Santa Fe County Commission obviously recognizes Katherine’s talents and her commitment to public service, and I wish her luck in her new role.”
Miller, who has been Finance Secretary since 2006, was recently recognized by the National Governors Association with the prestigious Award for Distinguished Service to State Government. She joined the administration in 2003 as Governor Richardson’s Deputy Chief of Staff of Policy. She also served as Executive Director of the New Mexico Mortgage Authority. Before that, Miller was Finance Director and Procurement Manager for Santa Fe County.
Governor Richardson said that Burch is the ideal person to replace Miller as the administration continues to make crucial budget decisions.
“Dannette Burch is a trusted advisor whose hard work and knowledge of the state budget is unmatched in state government,” Governor Richardson said. “I am pleased that Dannette is willing to take on this responsibility and guide us through the remaining budget decisions.”
Burch will be honored on Wednesday with the 2010 Gloria Timmer Award from the National Association of State Budget Officers. The award is given to budget officers who have had a significant, positive impact on the recipient’s state.
Burch served as the project manager for Governor Richardson’s successful statewide performance review, which made the budgeting process more efficient and accountable, and ultimately saved the state $379 million during the course of five fiscal years.
Prior to her role in the administration, Burch served as a budget analyst for the Legislative Finance Committee. She also worked as an auditor with the State Auditor’s Office.
