EDD Expands Science and Tech Office
Broadens capacity, adds Entrepreneurship Coordinator
SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) announced today the expansion of the science and technology office. The newly expanded Office of Strategy, Science & Technology (OSST), previously the Office of Science & Technology, will continue to focus and expand support for innovation and commercialization of science and technology while also incorporating wider strategic initiatives, including entrepreneurship support and federal funding opportunities.
“With support from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Legislature, the Economic Development Department will be expanding the Office of Strategy, Science & Technology to provide additional support to entrepreneurs and businesses, furthering the department’s mission of improving the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunity, building wealth, and providing a place for businesses to thrive,” EDD Deputy Secretary Jon Clark said.
Nora Meyers Sackett leads the office as director, moving from her recent position as EDD Special Projects Director. Previously, Sackett served for over four years in the Office of Gov. Lujan Grisham, working closely with EDD on the rollout of numerous state economic development initiatives, including industry expansions, business growth and relocation, and film partner announcements.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, Sackett has worked closely with state leaders and policy experts in many fields, including economic development, education, media, aerospace, film, science, and public health.
In her roles at EDD, Sackett is working to support initiatives for advanced energy and aerospace projects; leading the roll out of New Mexico’s C-PACE Program, which enables property owners to finance energy efficiency and resiliency improvements; and expanding support for federal funding relevant to job growth and economic security.
Jeff Hall joins the OSST team as Program Coordinator, directly overseeing administration of grants and guiding New Mexico science and technology startups through state resources. Hall has in-depth knowledge of New Mexico innovators and statewide resources. He previously worked as the Technology Transfer Program Manager for New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership on a contract with Los Alamos National Laboratory to assist with the overall management of both the New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program and the Technology Readiness Initiative (also known as TRGR).
As part of the Office’s expansion, and in an effort to broaden assistance for entrepreneurs statewide, the department will establish an accompanying Office of Entrepreneurship, for which EDD is currently hiring a coordinator. The position will serve as EDD’s point of contact for New Mexico entrepreneurs in any industry, coordinating with support organizations and incubators and providing guidance to resources and funding opportunities.
The job posting for the entrepreneurship coordinator position can be found on the State Personnel Office website at careers.share.state.nm.us State Personnel Office website at careers.share.state.nm.us (search job #137255) and is open for applications through October 2, 2023. More information about the position can also be found on the EDD Careers webpage at EDD.newmexico.gov/careers .