Governor-Elect Haaland Appoints Sarita Nair as Chief of Staff
Governor-elect Deb Haaland has appointed Sarita Nair, currently the secretary of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, as her Chief of Staff for her incoming administration.
Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, November 9, 2026 —
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Governor-elect Deb Haaland has selected Sarita Nair, the current Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, to serve as her Chief of Staff for the incoming administration. The appointment was announced recently, signaling a key leadership role as Haaland prepares to take office.
Nair brings a significant background in public service to the position. In her current role as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, she oversees the state’s efforts in employment services, unemployment insurance, and economic development initiatives aimed at fostering job growth and supporting the state’s workforce. Her tenure at the department has involved managing complex programs and strategic planning for the state’s labor market.
As Chief of Staff, Nair will be responsible for managing the Governor-elect’s office, advising on policy, and coordinating activities across state agencies. This role is critical in shaping the administration’s agenda and ensuring the effective implementation of its policy objectives. The transition team has indicated that Nair’s experience in state government and her understanding of workforce development are expected to be valuable assets in this capacity.
The selection of a Chief of Staff is typically one of the first major appointments made by a governor-elect, setting the tone and structure for the new administration. Further details regarding the transition process and other cabinet appointments are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The exact start date for Nair in her new role was not immediately provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Natassja Leyba on www.newsradiokkob.com, see more information here.
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