More Martinez Appointments

State of New Mexico

Office of the Governor

Susana Martinez

Governor

Contact: Scott Darnell

(505) 321-3943

For Immediate Release

January 7, 2011

GOVERNOR MARTINEZ ANNOUNCES TWO CABINET SECRETARY NOMINATIONS

Hale and Martin Nominated to Head Key Departments

SANTA TERESA – Governor Susana Martinez announced today that she has made two nominations to her cabinet – Col. Timothy Hale as Secretary of Veterans Affairs and F. David Martin as Secretary of the Environment.

After making the announcement, Governor Martinez stated, “I am pleased to announce that New Mexico will have two highly qualified public servants to head key cabinet posts. As a decorated Air Force veteran and an experienced engineer, Col. Hale and Mr. Martin have the expertise it takes to help move our state forward to a more prosperous and successful future.”

A decorated veteran, Col. Hale retired from the Air Force in August 2008. Among his many posts, he commanded the 486^th Expeditionary Operations Group during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was also stationed overseas in Japan and Kuwait. Col. Hale currently heads Higher Calling Aviation, Inc., a corporation tasked with providing all levels of Federal Aviation Association-approved flight training in Central New Mexico. He holds a B.S. from St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO, an M.A. from Webster University in St. Louis, MO, and an M.S. from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

In response to his nomination, Col. Hale said, “I am honored that Governor Martinez has tasked me with making sure that New Mexico fulfills its commitment to the men and women who wore the military uniform. Our veterans put their lives on the line for their country and we owe it to them to provide the care and services they deserve.”

Martin has extensive experience as an engineer and currently serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. In 1990, Martin was appointed by Governor Carruthers to coordinate policy between the state of New Mexico and the United States Department of Energy. He holds engineering degrees from both New Mexico Tech and Texas Tech.

Upon his nomination, Martin stated, “Without question, our state’s natural beauty must be kept intact for future generations. I look forward to working with Governor Martinez to implement common-sense policies that keep New Mexico beautiful and protect our environment while allowing for responsible development of our vast natural resources.”

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