Today, the Bernalillo County Commission appointed Stephanie Maez to fill the District 21 State House of Representatives seat in Albuquerque's Southeast Heights — the seat that recently become vacant with the appointment of Rep. Mimi Stewart to the State Senate.

Representative-appointee Maez has an extensive history advocating on behalf of New Mexico's working families. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Stephanie grew up in various areas of the city, attending Southeast Heights' Grant Middle School.

She obtained a Masters of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science from the University of New Mexico. Over the last 10 years she has worked on issues such as early childhood education, increasing the minimum wage and pushing for greater governmental transparency. In this capacity she has had the opportunity to work closely with Senator-appointee Mimi Stewart on these and other issues important to the residents of House District 21.

As a teen mother, Stephanie learned first-hand the challenges facing struggling families in our community. She is eager to begin addressing those challenges in this new capacity.

In response to the appointment Stephanie stated, "I am incredibly humbled by this appointment and grateful for the opportunity to be a champion for our community in this new role. The people who applied for this position have demonstrated true leadership, stepping up for our community in this way. I am confident that we can all work together to improve the lives of our fellow neighbors in House District 21."

Stephanie has an extensive background in public policy, strategic communications and civic engagement. Speaker of the House W. Ken Martinez stated, "We are very excited to welcome Stephanie as the newest member of the House Democratic Caucus. Her background and previous work will serve her constituents and the State of New Mexico well."

Stephanie gained experience working for the Executive Branch where she analyzed legislation, media and film related proposals, capital outlay requests, and constituents' public policy concerns.

As a communications professional for New Mexico's primary electric utility, the Public Service Company of New Mexico, Maez worked on internal and external communications.

Stephanie also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce where she worked to develop and advocate for approved policy positions. In addition, she was responsible for developing and nurturing relationships at the local, state, and federal level to further dialogue surrounding public policy issues.

Stephanie also served as the Outreach Director for New Mexico Voices for Children. Currently, Stephanie is the Chief Executive Officer at the Center for Civic Policy where she drives the Center's strategic vision, manages operations, oversees the Center's policy agenda and maintains relationships with local and national allies.

Stephanie resides in Albuquerque's Southeast Heights.