The purpose of the County Ethics Board is to ensure accountability and uphold the Santa Fe County Code of Conduct for Elected Officials, Appointed Officials, and Volunteers.
When a sworn complaint is filed, the County Attorney’s Office forwards it to the County’s Contract Ethics Official (CCEO), who first determines whether the complaint involves an Employee or another covered individual. Complaints against Employees are referred directly to Human Resources for handling under applicable policies or collective bargaining agreements.
For complaints against Elected Officials, Appointed Officials, or Volunteers, the CCEO evaluates whether the complaint states a valid claim under the Code of Conduct. If it does not, the complaint is dismissed, with a right of appeal to the Ethics Board. If it does, the CCEO investigates and submits a report with recommendations to the Ethics Board. The Ethics Board then reviews the findings and conducts a public hearing before taking any formal action, ensuring due process, transparency, and ethical governance.
The Santa Fe County Ethics Board consists of five members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The primary duty of the Ethics Board is to enforce the County Code of Conduct ( Ordinance No. 2022-03 ). The Code of Conduct authorizes the Ethics Board to hold public hearings and make findings of fact and conclusions of law regarding sworn complaints alleging violations by Elected Officials, Appointed Officials, or Volunteers.
Ethics Board Members
September 9, 2025 – September 9, 2027
September 9, 2025 – September 9, 2027
Members
- Marcia Mikulak — September 9, 2025 – September 9, 2027
- Daniel Coyne — September 9, 2025 – September 9, 2027
- Ellinor Hoover — September 9, 2025 – September 9, 2027
How Do I Report an Ethics Violation?
Any Elected Official, Appointed Official, or Volunteer has an affirmative duty to, and an Employee or any member of the public may, submit a complaint alleging unethical conduct to the County Ethics Board by delivering to the County Attorney’s Office a sworn complaint alleging facts that, if proven, would constitute a violation of the Santa Fe County Code of Conduct.
Download the Santa Fe County Code of Conduct Complaint Form.
The County Attorney’s Office will forward all sworn complaints to the County’s Contract Ethics Official (CCEO), who will determine whether the complaint is against an Employee, an Elected Official, an Appointed Official, or a Volunteer.
If the sworn complaint is against an Employee, the CCEO will refer the complaint to the County’s Human Resources Division for investigation and appropriate action under applicable policies or collective bargaining agreements.
If the complaint is against an Elected Official, Appointed Official, or Volunteer, the CCEO will determine whether it states a claim under the Santa Fe County Code of Conduct. If it does not, the complaint is dismissed, subject to a right of appeal to the County Ethics Board. If it does, the CCEO investigates the allegations, prepares a report and recommendations, and presents the matter to the Ethics Board for consideration at its next available meeting. The County Ethics Board conducts a public hearing before taking formal action.
Non-Retaliation
The Board of County Commissioners does not tolerate retaliation, workforce discrimination, or harassment of any kind against a person who has reported in good faith a violation of the Santa Fe County Code of Conduct. This protection applies whether the complaint is ultimately determined to be well-founded or unfounded.
All Elected Officials, Appointed Officials, Employees, and Volunteers are specifically prohibited from taking adverse employment action, engaging in workplace discrimination or harassment, or taking any retaliatory action against anyone for reporting a claim in good faith.
Report a Violation To
Santa Fe County Attorney's Office
102 Grant Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Meeting Info
Staff Liaison
Gabe Bustos
505-986-6202
gcbustos@santafecountynm.gov