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SANTA FE - Gov. Susana Martinez nominated a Taos native and PepsiCo marketing executive Thursday to run the New Mexico Tourism Department, bypassing former Las Cruces mayor Bill Mattiace, who had been under consideration for the position.
Martinez announced the appointment of Monique Jacobson as the department's cabinet secretary designate. Jacobson's nomination is subject to confirmation by the New Mexico Senate.
Mattiace was among four candidates Martinez considered for the post. He said he spoke to Martinez about the cabinet position Thursday afternoon.
"When the governor told me who her choice was, we agreed what a great choice, what a strong choice she made," Mattiace said. "This is a woman (Jacobson) who has become very influential professionally. It was a very positive conversation."
The governor's office said Jacobson's family helped pioneer the tourism industry in the Taos Ski Valley.
Jacobson has worked on several marketing campaigns since joining PepsiCo in 2002. She holds a degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania's business school.
Martinez says having a healthy tourism sector is critical to a vibrant economy and that Jacobson's background in marketing makes her an ideal candidate to lead the charge in promoting what New Mexico has to offer.
"It just good, great," said Mattiace, of Jacobson's nomination. "It's the right thing for New Mexico."
Mattiace has been out of the political spotlight for about three years, after serving
Mattiace, 63, has lived in Las Cruces since 1968. He is originally from Long Island, N.Y., and came to Las Cruces to attend New Mexico State University.
What's next?
• Las Cruces resident Bill Mattiace was non-committal Thursday about any future plans, other than continuing to run the Las Cruces travel agency he and his wife, Wanda, own.
• Mattiace was mayor of Las Cruces from 2003 to 2007.
• Before becoming mayor, Mattiace served as city council member from 1999 until 2003.
