(SANTA FE, NM—MARCH 31)—The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) announced today that Wayne Propst will assume the Chief of Staff role effective April 19, 2021.

Mr. Propst joins the PRC most recently from the Senate Finance Committee, where he also held the Chief of Staff title. Prior to that, he served as the Executive Director at the Public Employees’ Retirement Association of New Mexico (PERA) for almost nine years, where he developed comprehensive pension reform legislation in 2013 and 2020. 

“With a steady and experienced executive at the helm, the PRC can continue to grow and improve as it looks toward the future,” Commissioner Joseph Maestas of District Three said of the announcement, speaking of the transition from elected to appointed Commissioners that will occur in 2023. With a permanent Chief of Staff in place, Commission Chair Stephen Fischmann from District Five pointed out, “It will be important to put in place that kind of continuity and stability, even as we transition to a new structure.”

Wayne is well-known in New Mexico government and brings with him a number of accomplishments, such as reducing PERA’s unfunded liability and significantly improving the long-term solvency outlook. The PRC expects to benefit from his long-running management experience and history of public service. “I look forward to supporting the PRC’s mission in bolstering the New Mexico economy and green energy efforts. I also look forward to building and strengthening relationships with the legislature, Executive and others on behalf of the PRC.”

Under the direction of the Acting Chief of Staff, Jason N. Montoya, the PRC has weathered some unprecedented times over the past two years. The Commissioners expressed their appreciation of Jason’s accomplishments, professionalism and flexibility while in the role.

Commissioner Jefferson Byrd from District Two said, “Jason has done not only a great job but an exceptional job as Acting Chief of Staff.”

“Jason has been a tireless worker and extremely responsive. We look forward to him staying with the PRC in his other two roles with the Pipeline Safety Bureau and Transportation division,” Fischmann said. “If I had to come up with one word to describe him, it’s ‘fearless.’ Never once did Jason blink in the face of adversity.”

District Four Commissioner Theresa Becenti-Aguilar added her appreciation for “all the work Jason Montoya has done as Chief of Staff for the Commission. He has navigated us through near destruction. In January of 2019, a bill to abolish the PRC was put forth in the legislature but Jason worked with lawmakers for the PRC to survive. I would like to say thank you very much, Jason; I appreciate the work you have done.”

“I really don’t know if I’ve ever seen a more excellently performing executive manager,” Commissioner Cynthia Hall from District One said.

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) regulates the utilities, telecommunications, and motor carrier industries to ensure fair and reasonable rates, and to assure reasonable and adequate services to the public as provided by law.The NMPRC also promotes public safety through the offices of State Fire Marshal, the Firefighter Training Academy, Pipeline Safety Bureau and Transportation Division.