Gov. Lujan Grisham announces the departure of Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 29 June 2023 29 June 2023

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Thursday the departure of New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Alicia J. Keyes.

"New Mexico's economy is booming, and it's more diverse than ever before. Wages are higher and we're seeing historic job numbers," said
Gov. Lujan Grisham. "That's no accident. Secretary Keyes'
commitment to carrying out the vision of my administration and her dedication to making New Mexico a great place to live have been integral to the economic health of our great state. I wish her the very best in the future."

Keyes was appointed by Gov. Lujan Grisham in January 2019, the first woman to lead the EDD.

"My greatest joy has been collaborating with New Mexicans in every corner of the state to create higher-paying jobs and build economic security for future generations," said
Secretary Keyes. "I want to thank Gov. Lujan Grisham for this opportunity and
unwavering support and encouragement. I'm looking forward to continuing to drive economic development forward in my next chapter."

Keyes departs as the state sees its lowest unemployment rate since 2007 and an all-time high number of jobs. Under her leadership, the department's programs reached new levels
of success, including the Job Training Incentive Program recording its highest average wage at $27.08 an hour, up 28% from four years ago.

In the past four years, EDD utilized the Local Economic Development Act assisting 60 businesses and
supporting more than 8,500 new jobs in New Mexico with an average annual wage of more than $64,000 – up 20% from 2019. The LEDA assistance is projected to result in $7.3 billion in new capital investment across the state; $580 million in new payroll; and a
ten-year economic impact of $34 billion.

Under Gov. Lujan Grisham's leadership, Keyes has spearheaded New Mexico's efforts to diversify and grow the state economy, including expanding global trade by making
key investments and relationships along the border, attracting new and expanded aerospace investment, establishing the state's Office of Outdoor Recreation, and taking the state's film and television industry to new heights. The state will soon offer training
at the New Mexico Media Academy, a first-of-its-kind initiative of the administration to provide advanced hands-on training to New Mexicans in a growing industry.

Her last day will be July 13. Keyes plans to take personal time before pursuing opportunities in the private sector while remaining in New Mexico.

The administration is actively seeking
Keyes' successor.

Content on the Beat

WARNING: All articles and photos with a byline or photo credit are copyrighted to the author or photographer. You may not use any information found within the articles without asking permission AND giving attribution to the source. Photos can be requested and may incur a nominal fee for use personally or commercially.

Disclaimer: If you find errors in articles not written by the Beat team but sent to us from other content providers, please contact the writer, not the Beat. For example, obituaries are always provided by the funeral home or a family member. We can fix errors, but please give details on where the error is so we can find it. News releases from government and non-profit entities are posted generally without change, except for legal notices, which incur a small charge.

NOTE: If an article does not have a byline, it was written by someone not affiliated with the Beat and then sent to the Beat for posting.

Images: We have received complaints about large images blocking parts of other articles. If you encounter this problem, click on the title of the article you want to read and it will take you to that article's page, which shows only that article without any intruders. 

New Columnists: The Beat continues to bring you new columnists. And check out the old faithfuls who continue to provide content.

Newsletter: If you opt in to the Join GCB Three Times Weekly Updates option above this to the right, you will be subscribed to email notifications with links to recently posted articles.

Submitting to the Beat

Those new to providing news releases to the Beat are asked to please check out submission guidelines at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/about/submissions. They are for your information to make life easier on the readers, as well as for the editor.

Advertising: Don't forget to tell advertisers that you saw their ads on the Beat.

Classifieds: We have changed Classifieds to a simpler option. Check periodically to see if any new ones have popped up. Send your information to editor@grantcountybeat.com and we will post it as soon as we can. Instructions and prices are on the page.

Editor's Notes

It has come to this editor's attention that people are sending information to the Grant County Beat Facebook page. Please be aware that the editor does not regularly monitor the page. If you have items you want to send to the editor, please send them to editor@grantcountybeat.com. Thanks!

Here for YOU: Consider the Beat your DAILY newspaper for up-to-date information about Grant County. It's at your fingertips! One Click to Local News. Thanks for your support for and your readership of Grant County's online news source—www.grantcountybeat.com

Feel free to notify editor@grantcountybeat.com if you notice any technical problems on the site. Your convenience is my desire for the Beat.  The Beat totally appreciates its readers and subscribers!  

Compliance: Because you are an esteemed member of The Grant County Beat readership, be assured that we at the Beat continue to do everything we can to be in full compliance with GDPR and pertinent US law, so that the information you have chosen to give to us cannot be compromised.