GOV. RICHARDSON ANNOUNCES CHANGES FOR 2ND TERM ADMINISTRATION
DATELINE: SANTA FE, N.M.
Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., issued the following press release:
Gov. Bill Richardson today announced several changes to his Administration as he prepares for a second term as New Mexico Governor. Betty D. Sparrow will be the new Secretary of Labor; Alan M. Varela will be the new Executive Director of the Office of Workforce Training and Development; and Glen Smith will be the new Director of the Workers' Compensation Administration.
Betty D. Sparrow will take over as Secretary of the Department of Labor on Jan. 1. The Governor initially tapped Sparrow last month to serve as Executive Director of the Labor Department's Office of Workforce Training and Development. The Governor elevated Sparrow to serve as Secretary of Labor to replace Herb Crosby, who withdrew his name as a candidate for position. Crosby informed the Governor that he would not be able to effectively serve the administration because of personal and business commitments. Sparrow worked for six years at the Denver Division of Workforce Development before moving to New Mexico last month.
"Betty Sparrow's impressive background and direct experience in workforce development made her an obvious choice to take on the challenge of leading the Labor Department," Governor Bill Richardson.
Governor Richardson also appointed Alan Varela, who has served as the Director of Workers' Compensation Administration during the Governor's first term, as the new Executive Director of the Office of Workforce Training and Development. Varela will assume his new role on Jan. 1.
"Alan's leadership helped move the Workers' Compensation Administration forward and protect the rights of New Mexico employees," Governor Richardson said. "I am confident that Alan's leadership, along with his business experience, will serve our aggressive workforce training agenda well."
During his tenure at the Workers' Compensation Administration, Varela implemented New Mexico's first Uninsured Employers' Fund to protect injured workers whose employers failed to carry legally required insurance.
Governor Richardson appointed Glen Smith to take Varela's place as Director of the Workers' Compensation Administration. Smith previously served as Deputy Attorney General, supervising litigation and other matters involving major environmental protection initiatives. Smith will start his new job Jan. 1.
"The Workers' Compensation Administration plays a vital role in our economic development strategy by balancing the diverse needs of New Mexico businesses, while protecting workers' rights," Governor Richardson said. "Glen's experience in developing consensus will help us move our economic development strategy forward."
Contact: Gilbert Gallegos, 505/476-2217.