The City of Santa Fe announced the appointment of Monica Maestas as Finance Director on May 11. Maestas, a resident of Santa Fe, brings more than 18 years of experience in fiscal oversight and public sector leadership across several New Mexico state agencies.
This appointment is significant for the city as it fills a key leadership position with someone who has managed complex public finances at multiple levels. Effective financial management is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in municipal operations.
Maestas most recently served as deputy director at the New Mexico Department of Military Affairs, where she supervised senior officials including the chief information officer, chief financial officer, chief procurement officer, and human resources manager. She provided indirect oversight to about 165 state employees. Previously, she was chief financial officer for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, managing all financial controls and overseeing over $500 million in capital outlay allocations to nations, tribes, and pueblos within the state. Her earlier roles included serving as CFO at the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, Office of the State Engineer and Interstate Stream Commission, and New Mexico Commission for the Blind.
“Monica’s deep experience managing complex public finances across a wide range of state agencies makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead our Finance Department,” said Mayor Michael Garcia. “Her track record of fiscal accountability and strong internal controls will serve Santa Fe residents well. I would also like to express my profound gratitude to Deputy City Manager Andrea Phillips, who stepped up to manage the finance department on top of all her other duties.”
Maestas holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from New Mexico State University. She began her career in public finance in 2008 with the New Mexico Human Services Department conducting audits for program compliance within the Office of Inspector General.
In her new role starting June 8, Maestas will oversee budgeting, accounting, procurement, and financial reporting for Santa Fe’s government operations.
