Latest news with #JeffreyLopez
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Governor appoints federal policy adviser as new state broadband director
Jun. 23—The Governor's Office on Monday announced a new director of the state Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, effective immediately: Jeffrey Lopez. The new leadership comes a month after former Acting Director Drew Lovelace left the office, which is housed within the state Department of Information Technology. A spokesperson for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's office at the time told the Journal the state decided to go in a "different direction" looking for its permanent executive. The Governor's Office also said Lovelace resumed his former duties as operations manager, though Lovelace's LinkedIn indicates he left the office in May. Lujan Grisham in a statement backed Lopez's ability to fulfill the role of director and deliver reliable, high-speed internet around New Mexico, including its rural and tribal communities, which have long struggled with access. Lopez's annual salary is $170,000. "Jeffrey possesses the perfect combination of federal policy knowledge, broadband program prowess and familiarity with New Mexico communities that our state needs to maximize the historic broadband investments underway," Lujan Grisham said. Lopez previously served as senior policy adviser and state staff to U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., who chaired the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband. The Governor's Office said Lopez also worked on the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Act, from which New Mexico received $675 million to connect households to good internet. But even with the federal grant, the broadband office estimates about 95,000 households in New Mexico are still left without broadband access. Lovelace approached the Legislature this year with a $70 million ask to fill the gap with satellite technology, but wasn't able to secure the funding. Lujan Grisham on Monday also appointed Aquiles "Alex" Trujillo to serve as deputy director for the broadband office, who has decades of experience in broadband and telecommunications. Trujillo will make an annual salary of $160,000.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New Mexico Gov. announces new broadband office leader
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the appointment of a new state director for the office of broadband access and expansion. Jeffrey Lopez has been appointed to the position immediately on Monday. Story continues below New Mexico Strange: The possible hauntings of KRQE News 13 Trending: City begins $1.3 million Old Town construction project News: Protest held in Albuquerque following US military strike on Iranian nuclear sites New Mexico Crime Files: Repeat drunk driver caught on camera fleeing, crashing car Lopez has over 12 years of federal experience, having serviced as a senior policy advisor and state staff member to U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján. He managed the senator's role as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband while working on legislation to create the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Act. He holds expertise in federal policy and infrastructure, the governor's office says. 'Jeffrey possesses the perfect combination of federal policy knowledge, broadband program prowess, and familiarity with New Mexico communities that our state needs to maximize the historic broadband investments underway,' said Gov. Lujan Grisham. 'His leadership will help ensure every New Mexican has access to reliable, high-speed internet, from our rural communities to our tribal nations.' Aquiles 'Alex' Trujillo has been appointed to serve as deputy director. He has over 20 years in broadband and telecommunications leadership, previously directly the statewide Technical Assistance Program. His appointment is also effective immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
