The City of Albuquerque has announced that Dr. Samantha Sengel has been unanimously confirmed by the Albuquerque City Council to assume the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Dr. Sengel will be taking over the position from the retiring CAO Lawrence Rael according to a press release.
According to the City of Albuquerque, Dr. Sengel is a proven leader in creating community success through innovation and economic development.
As the Chief Administrative Officer of Albuquerque, Dr. Samantha Sengel will manage day-to-day operations and hold authority outlined in the city's charter, overseeing a workforce of nearly 6,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $1 billion. Samantha Sengel has more than 20 years of management and executive leadership experience during her tenure at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) according to a press release.
“I look forward to working alongside all of our dedicated City employees and continue my focus on helping shape Albuquerque as an ideal place for families and individuals to thrive,” said Dr. Samantha Sengel according to a press release. “This has been my life’s work for a quarter century, and I am pleased to continue that mission with my new team.”
Lawrence Rael became the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Albuquerque, working under three mayoral administrations. In 2012, he assumed the role of Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments and was subsequently appointed by President Obama as Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Services Agency for New Mexico. Throughout his career, Lawrence played a key role in various significant projects, including the expansion of the Albuquerque Sunport, the development of Balloon Fiesta Park, and the management of the planning for the Rail Runner Express commuter rail line. Lawrence is also an active community leader who has sat on the boards of numerous charitable organizations, task forces, and committees according to the City of Albuquerque.
Lawrence Rael is set to retire in November according to a press release.
