Governor picks tourism secretary to run CYFD

........................................................................................................................................................................................

New Mexico Tourism Secretary Monique Jacobson was appointed secretary of the Children, Youth and Families Department on Monday by Gov. Susana Martinez. She will replace Yolanda Deines, who has held the post since Martinez took office in 2011. (Roberto E. Rosales/Journal)

SANTA FE Gov. Susana Martinez made more changes to her Cabinet on Monday, including shifting the states tourism chief to the helm of the Children, Youth and Families Department. One Democratic legislative leader reacted with skepticism, while another praised the appointees management skills.

Preparing to begin her second term, the Republican governor said Tourism Secretary Monique Jacobson will bring a strong management background to CYFD, an agency that has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of high-profile child abuse cases.

Her strong intellect and impeccable management skills will serve the agency well, and she is a leader who is well-known for producing results, Martinez said in a statement.

Jacobson is a Taos native who worked in corporate marketing before taking a state government job. She will take the CYFD reins from Yolanda Deines, who had held the job since Martinez took office in 2011.

Senate Democratic Whip Michael Padilla of Albuquerque called the announcement a shocker and predicted Jacobson will face questions during the Senate confirmation process about relevant work experience.

I wasnt aware that she had a background in child protective services or any of the other duties of the department, said Padilla, who praised Jacobsons work at the Tourism Department. Its absolutely vital, and I think thats going to be one of her biggest challenges.

Padilla has sponsored several CYFD-related bills in recent years and said he plans to introduce legislation during the coming 60-day session that would make the department a standalone agency.

However, Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, said Jacobsons management skills likely outweigh her social work rsum, or lack of one.

Read the rest here:
Governor picks tourism secretary to run CYFD