ARTESIA—New Mexico House Republican Leader James Townsend (R-Artesia) has nominated Carlsbad resident Judy P. Villanueva, Ph.D., to serve on the newly formed New Mexico State Ethics Commission. Dr. Villanueva possesses a wealth of knowledge in organizational management and planning, which will aid the commission as they set up operations this year.  

Dr. Villanueva’s educational background includes various areas of administration. She has an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Texas-El Paso, a graduate degree in health care management from Webster University, and a doctorate in education management from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.   

Dr. Villanueva’s previous professional experience includes upper-level administrative and staff positions with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and El Paso Community College, where she helped both institutions expand operations and outreach activities. Dr. Villanueva’s practice of administration includes the areas of human resources, organizational development, institutional effectiveness, strategic and long-range planning, marketing, and multi-facility operations. She is currently the administrator for a private medical practice in Carlsbad, NM, where she is primarily responsible for regulatory compliance.   

“Judy is a very responsible person demonstrating intellect while also representing the highest ethical character,” said Townsend. “The administrative experience she brings to the commission will be particularly valuable as they establish their operating policies and procedures. I have no doubt of her ability to judge issues fairly, thoroughly, and without political prejudice. She will be an asset to the commission and New Mexico.” 

The State Ethics Commission formally convenes in July 2019. The commission will review ethics complaints against state officials and determine if there is probable cause that an ethics violation occurred. It can also issue advisory opinions to guide public officials on complying with the state’s ethics regulations. The commission will begin examining ethics complaints in January 2020.