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Katherine Miller, Next County Manager

Santa Fe – July 27, 2010 – The Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners (BCC) is pleased to announce Katherine 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.”