The city of Santa Fe has announced a series of interim leadership hires. The following changes will take effect on June 4:Interim chief of police: Ben ValdezThis comes as interim police Chief Thomas Grundler announced his retirement. Ben Valdez brings more than 20 years of experience with the department and has served nearly eight years as deputy chief. A Pueblo of Pojoaque native and Marine Corps combat veteran, Valdez has overseen administration, budgeting, recruiting and strategic planning within the department. Mayor Alan Webber Garcia said the appointment will ensure stability while the city begins the search for a permanent police chief.Deputy chiefs: Amanda Montano and Lawrence BarnettAmanda Montano, a Santa Fe native, joined the department in 2010 and previously led the Special Victims Unit and the Support Operations Section. Lawrence Barnett, who joined the department in 2006, has served in patrol, traffic enforcement, SWAT and Internal Affairs roles.City officials said additional interim appointments for Public Works, Human Resources, Airport and Public Utilities leadership positions will be announced in the coming weeks.
The city of Santa Fe has announced a series of interim leadership hires. The following changes will take effect on June 4:
Interim chief of police: Ben Valdez
This comes as interim police Chief Thomas Grundler announced his retirement.
Ben Valdez brings more than 20 years of experience with the department and has served nearly eight years as deputy chief.
A Pueblo of Pojoaque native and Marine Corps combat veteran, Valdez has overseen administration, budgeting, recruiting and strategic planning within the department.
Mayor Alan Webber Garcia said the appointment will ensure stability while the city begins the search for a permanent police chief.
Deputy chiefs: Amanda Montano and Lawrence Barnett
Amanda Montano, a Santa Fe native, joined the department in 2010 and previously led the Special Victims Unit and the Support Operations Section.
Lawrence Barnett, who joined the department in 2006, has served in patrol, traffic enforcement, SWAT and Internal Affairs roles.
City officials said additional interim appointments for Public Works, Human Resources, Airport and Public Utilities leadership positions will be announced in the coming weeks.
