Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico has announced the resignation of Robert Doucette Jr., the secretary of the General Services Department, effective at the end of the year. Doucette, who took office in February 2023, has a lengthy history in public service, yet no specific reasons were provided for his departure. The governor expressed gratitude for his leadership and contributions, noting the challenges he faced within an administration marked by considerable turnover at the Cabinet level. Doucette’s exit marks the fourth instance of a Cabinet secretary stepping down in recent months, highlighting a concerning trend in the governor’s administration.
Doucette’s resignation follows other notable departures, including Health Secretary Patrick Allen, Aging and Long-Term Services Secretary Jen Paul Schroer, and Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero, each of whom left under unique circumstances. Allen’s resignation was abrupt, while Romero resigned after receiving an ultimatum regarding his candidacy for a position at New Mexico State University. Such high turnover among key officials raises questions about the stability and direction of the Lujan Grisham administration, reflecting broader challenges in effectively managing state departments.
Before his appointment as Cabinet secretary, Doucette had a robust career in public service, notably as director of the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration and deputy county manager in Sandoval County, among other roles. His diverse experience in government has allowed him to understand various operational dimensions, from health services to public insurance. His tenure as the secretary of the General Services Department encompassed overseeing significant state operations and budget management, indicating his capability in addressing complex departmental challenges.
In the wake of Doucette’s resignation, Anna Silva, the current deputy secretary, will assume the role of acting Cabinet secretary as a transition plan is initiated. Silva brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having overseen a budget of $400 million and managed considerable state assets. The governor’s office highlighted her expertise in facilities management and procurement, emphasizing her successful projects such as veterans’ home construction and the development of a chief procurement officer training program. The administration has expressed confidence in Silva’s ability to maintain the department’s success and continue its strategic initiatives.
Silva’s leadership is expected to focus on enhancing efficiency and sustainability within the General Services Department, a demanding task given the recent changes in leadership. Her experience in collaborating across government agencies, prioritizing long-term planning, and ensuring financial stewardship will be crucial as the department navigates its evolving needs. As acting secretary, she will be tasked not only with managing the day-to-day operations of the department but also with ensuring that the transition proceeds smoothly and without interruption in services.
The ongoing changes in New Mexico’s government leadership reflect broader dynamics in state administration, including the impact of personal and professional pressures on officials. As the Lujan Grisham administration seeks stability and effective governance in the face of this turnover, the performance of incoming leaders like Anna Silva will be closely observed. The administration’s response to these developments will be significant in shaping its effectiveness and public perception in the months ahead, especially as the state grapples with pressing issues and the need for consistent representation and leadership in its various departments.
