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Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, whose administration has been beset by a high rate of turnover at the Cabinet level, is losing another department head. Robert Doucette Jr.
, who was appointed secretary of the General Services Department in February 2023, will step down at the end of the year, Lujan Grisham announced Friday in a news release. No reason for his departure was given, though the news release noted Doucette has had a long career in public service. "Robert Doucette has provided leadership and expertise at several agencies over his long-lasting career in state government, and I thank him for his service to New Mexico," Lujan Grisham said in a statement.
Doucette is the fourth Cabinet secretary to step down in recent months, following Health Secretary Patrick Allen in November, Aging and Long-Term Services Secretary Jen Paul Schroer in September and Public Education Secretary Arsenio Romero in August. Allen resigned abruptly, and Romero quit after Lujan Grisham gave him an ultimatum: resign or withdraw his candidacy for president of New Mexico State University. Doucette served as director of the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration before stepping into the role of Cabinet secretary.
He had previously served as deputy county manager in Sandoval County, Bernalillo County deputy commissioner and deputy superintendent for the state Office of Superintendent of Insurance. Anna Silva, currently deputy secretary of the General Services Department, will serve as acting Cabinet secretary and will work closely with Doucette to ensure a seamless transition, according to the governor's announcement. "I am confident that Anna Silva’s experience and dedication will ensure a smooth transition and continued success for the department," Lujan Grisham said.
The Governor's Office called Silva a seasoned leader with extensive experience in management operations, strategic planning and legislative initiatives. As deputy secretary, Silva oversees a $400 million budget, manages more than 6.8 million square feet of state assets and leads innovative projects that enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Her accomplishments include overseeing the construction veterans’ home projects and developing a nationally recognized chief procurement officer training program. "Silva’s leadership in facilities management and procurement has fostered collaboration across government agencies, strengthened financial stewardship, and prioritized long-term planning to meet the state’s evolving needs," the news release states..
