Think New Mexico, the nonpartisan, results-oriented think tank serving New Mexicans, has added three staff members to magnify its impact as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Think New Mexico’s mission it to improve the lives of all New Mexicans, especially those who lack a strong voice in the political process. It is best known for successfully championing the enactment of landmark legislation repealing the state’s tax on food, making full-day kindergarten accessible to every child, ending predatory lending, and repealing the tax on Social Security income for lower and middle-income seniors.
Think New Mexico’s new staff members include:
Dr. Alfredo Vigil, former New Mexico Secretary of Health, Think New Mexico’s first Healthcare Reform Director.
Dr. Vigil was born in Santa Fe and grew up in Los Alamos. He earned his B.S. and M.D. from the University of New Mexico, where he also completed his medical residency in the family practice program. His professional career has included roles as an Emergency Department physician and a family physician in private practice, as well as Clinical Faculty at the UNM School of Medicine. In 2007, Dr. Vigil was appointed New Mexico Secretary of Health by Governor Bill Richardson, following Michelle Lujan Grisham in that role. He served until the conclusion of Governor Richardson’s second term.
Dr. Vigil has held numerous leadership roles in the health care field, including serving as medical director of the Questa Health Center, Chief of Staff of Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, and CEO of El Centro Family Health in Espanola. He has served as President of the New Mexico Academy of Family Practice; Chair of the NM Primary Care Association; Chair of the Board of Directors of Holy Cross Hospital; and a member of the NM Medical Licensing Board. Nationally, he served as Board Chair of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
“As a longtime supporter of Think New Mexico, I am thrilled to be part of the team,” says Dr. Vigil. “Think New Mexico has a long track record of successfully improving the lives and welfare of New Mexicans, and I am glad to be learning from them and contributing the organization’s work on improving health care in our state.”
Katie Gutierrez is Think New Mexico’s Tax, Budget, and Economic Development Reform Director.
Katie is from San Antonito, New Mexico, where her family has been farming for generations. A PhD candidate in Economics at the University of New Mexico, she studies the impact of taxes and policy changes on people’s health and wellbeing, with a focus on social justice and reducing health disparities.
Katie is a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar alumna, a UNM Center for Social Policy alumna, and a former organizer with the United Graduate workers of UNM. She most recently taught Economics as a member of the faculty at Williams College.
“I am so excited to work with Think New Mexico, an organization working on policy issues that align with my academic research,” says Katie. “It is great to be learning from the team and engaging in hands-on work to advance the health and well-being of my fellow New Mexicans.”
Marcus P. Lujan is Think New Mexico’s new Field Director.
Marcus was born and raised in Santa Fe, where his family has lived for many generations. He served as his Class President at St. Michael’s High School, and is now an active member of the St. Michael’s Alumni Association. Marcus graduated with Honors from New Mexico State University, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Government. At NMSU, Marcus was one of four voting member of the Student Fee Review Board.
“I am extremely proud to have this opportunity to help mystate move forward towards implementing policy solutions it desperately needs,” Marcus says. “I look forward to doing my part to continue Think New Mexico’s successful track record as a catalyst for real change across New Mexico.”
For more information, visit Think New Mexico’s website at: www.thinknewmexico.org.
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Publish date : 2024-09-17 12:22:00
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