Governor Michelle Lujan has named retired New Mexico Army National
Guard Col. Donnie Quintana as her choice for cabinet secretary of the
New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS).
Secretary-Designate Quintana had been serving as deputy secretary and
had been leading the agency since late October, working closely with
retiring DVS Secretary Sonya Smith and department staff to ensure a
smooth and effective transition of leadership.
“Donnie brings decades of leadership experience in both state
government and the military to his new role at the Department of
Veterans Services,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “As a native New Mexican, a
veteran, and a well-respected public servant, his background with both
the constituents he serves, and the knowledge of the intricacies of state
government services, will be invaluable for New Mexico’s veterans and
their families. I am grateful for his continued service and look forward to what he will accomplish
at DVS.”
The Pecos native served 35 years in the military in a variety of leadership positions within the New
Mexico National Guard, including brigade commander and chief of staff. He was deployed to
Afghanistan and served as the executive officer and corps commander/senior mentor for the
Afghan National Army as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Secretary-Designate Quintana experience in public service includes his most recent role as the
local government division director for the state Department of Finance and Administration, where
he played an integral role in the establishment of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
(ERAP) overseeing the distribution of more than $200 million in funds. He also previously served for
20 years at the state Economic Development Department in various leadership roles.
Along his career path, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, with a minor in
Economics, from New Mexico State University, and is a graduate from the Inter-American Defense
College in Washington, D.C.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be able to serve New Mexico veterans and their families,”
said Secretary-Designate Quintana. “I am committed to ensuring we honor their dedicated service
to our country and state by advocating on their behalf and supporting them and their families in
every way possible.”
As with all cabinet secretary appointees by a governor, Secretary-Designate Quintana will have a
confirmation hearing by the state senate at some point during the 2023 New Mexico Legislature,
which convened on January 17 and adjourns on March 18.
