Anna Silva Confirmed as New Mexico General Services Department Secretary
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Senate today unanimously confirmed Anna Silva as the cabinet secretary of the General Services Department (GSD). The confirmation follows a period where Silva served as acting secretary, initially appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on December 13, 2024, after the departure of Robert Doucette Jr.
“Secretary Silva is a seasoned and talented leader with extensive experience in facilities management operations and procurement,” said Governor Lujan Grisham in a statement released following the Senate vote. “I’m grateful for her contributions to this administration and I thank the Senate for confirming her as cabinet secretary today.”
At the GSD, Silva is responsible for managing more than 6.8 million square feet of state property assets and is focused on modernizing the state’s procurement system, ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Silva’s leadership has already resulted in the successful completion of several key construction projects for the state. These include the $58 million veterans’ home project in Truth or Consequences, the $15 million Secure Storage Facility in Santa Fe – designed to safeguard state assets – and a 44,000 square-foot Crime Lab, also located in Santa Fe, intended to enhance the investigation of crimes. Notably, each of these projects was completed on time and under budget.
Beyond construction, Silva spearheaded the launch of New Mexico’s first e-procurement system while leading the state purchasing department. This initiative aims to promote fair competition and improve transparency and accountability in state purchasing practices for the citizens of New Mexico. Her ongoing work focuses on standardizing procurement submissions, streamlining operations, and ensuring consistency across state executive agencies.
Senator George Muñoz, who sponsored Silva’s appointment, highlighted the potential for cost savings under her leadership. “Secretary Silva is a leader in the cabinet,” Muñoz said. “Her experience and skill set to run an agency will result in cost savings.”
Secretary Silva expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her by the Governor and the Legislature. “I am truly honored and deeply appreciative of the trust the Governor and the Legislature have placed in me,” Silva said. “My team and I are committed to enhancing quality, cost-effective services for our fellow state agencies, ensuring they have the essential resources and support they need to fulfill their missions effectively.”
Prior to her appointment as secretary, Silva served as the deputy secretary of the General Services Department and as director of the Facilities Management Division, a role she has held since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Mexico, having graduated in 2000.
The confirmation of Silva comes after a period of turnover within Governor Lujan Grisham’s cabinet. Robert Doucette Jr. Resigned at the end of 2024 to pursue a private sector opportunity, and Anna Silva was initially appointed as acting secretary on December 13, 2024, to ensure a smooth transition. Doucette had been appointed by the governor in February 2023.
