Thursday, August 20, 2009

State Labor Secretary Out

Workforce Solutions Secretary Betty Sparrow Doris is leaving her job, the governor's office just announced.

According to the official statement, she's quitting "to spend more time with her family."

Haven't heard that one in awhile, but spending time with your family is a good thing. And it turns out, her family is in Colorado.

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today announced that Department of Workforce Solutions Secretary Betty Sparrow Doris is leaving her position to spend more time with her family.

“I want to thank Betty for her service to the state,” Governor Richardson said. “She led the department through some difficult times, as the national recession created unprecedented burdens on unemployment benefits.”

“It has been a pleasure serving the people of New Mexico,” Sparrow Doris said. “I now look forward to spending more time with my husband and my family in Denver.”

Gov. Richardson also announced that has appointed Ken Ortiz to serve as the new Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Workforce Department. Ortiz, who has served as Deputy Secretary of Workforce Solutions since May, was the Director of the Motor Vehicle Division for four years. He was at the Taxation & Revenue Department for nine years.

“Ken Ortiz is the perfect person to take this critically important job – at a critically important time,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “Given his experience at MVD, Ken knows how to make government work effectively and efficiently. He knows New Mexicans are depending on this department.”

Ortiz takes over at the Department of Workforce Solutions on Aug. 31.