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Elizabeth Anderson appointed as new state engineer, becomes first woman to hold job
Elizabeth Anderson was appointed as New Mexico鈥檚 next state engineer on Monday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
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SANTA FE 鈥� New Mexico has a new top water official, as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday appointed Elizabeth Anderson as state engineer.
Anderson, a licensed engineer and veteran water resources expert, becomes the first woman to hold the job.
She takes over as state engineer from Mike Hamman, who announced in May he was stepping down to spend more time working on his family鈥檚 small farm.
The Governor鈥檚 Office said Anderson would be tasked with implementing internal changes in the State Engineer鈥檚 Office to modernize the agency and improve customer service.
鈥淗er extensive experience and dedication to water resource management make her the ideal leader to address the challenges posed by climate change and to implement our 50-Year Water Action Plan,鈥� Lujan Grisham said in a statement, referring to Anderson.
New Mexico鈥檚 new state water plan, announced this year, found that breaks and leaks in old infrastructure are causing some water systems to lose between 40% and 70% of all treated drinking water.
The state also faces other water-related challenges, including litigation with Texas over Rio Grande water rights, record-low reservoirs and water scarcity exacerbated by drought and wildfires.
Addressing those water resource issues has proven a tough task, even amid an ongoing state revenue surge. Former state Engineer John D鈥橝ntonio submitted his resignation in November 2021, citing a lack of financial support.
Anderson, who previously served as chief planning officer for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, has worked most recently as a senior advisor for the State Engineer鈥檚 office.
She said in a statement she planned to build on the foundation of the state鈥檚 water plan to ensure New Mexico is prepared to face the challenges of the future.
As state engineer, Anderson will receive an annual salary of roughly $185,153, according to the Governor's Office.
