Deb Haaland Names Sarita Nair Chief of Staff for New Mexico Governor’s Office
New Mexico Gov.-elect Deb Haaland has named Sarita Nair, the current Secretary of the Department of Workforce Solutions, as her chief of staff.
Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, November 6, 2026 —
SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland has appointed Sarita Nair to serve as her chief of staff. Nair currently holds the position of Secretary of the Department of Workforce Solutions.
The announcement marks a significant personnel decision as Governor-elect Haaland prepares to assume office. The chief of staff role is a critical position, overseeing the daily operations of the governor’s office and acting as a key advisor.
Sarita Nair’s background includes her current tenure as Secretary of the Department of Workforce Solutions. This department is responsible for a range of services related to employment, unemployment insurance, and workforce development programs within the state.
Details regarding the transition timeline for Nair’s new role, including when she will officially begin as chief of staff, were not immediately provided. The specific responsibilities and objectives for Nair in her new capacity as chief of staff will likely be further elaborated upon closer to the governor-elect’s inauguration.
The selection of Nair signals a focus on continuity and experience within state government as the new administration gears up to implement its policy agenda. Further appointments and staffing updates are expected in the coming weeks leading up to the official start of the gubernatorial term.
Story summarized from the original created by Source NM Staff on sourcenm.com, see more information here.
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