Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Colonel Megan A. Cornett, a retired U.S. Air Force officer, as the director of New Mexico’s Office of Military Base Planning and Support. Cornett brings experience in government relations and recently served as Albuquerque operations officer for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Her background includes civil and commercial airfield management at Kirtland Air Force Base and other locations.

Cornett holds a BA from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, as well as Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base. She also served as a legislative fellow with Georgetown University’s Government Affairs Institute.

The Office of Military Base Planning and Support acts as a liaison between the state and federal congressional delegation on military issues, supporting base representatives and communities with access, infrastructure operations, planning, and logistics. It is administratively attached to the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD).

"I am pleased that Megan Cornett can continue to serve," said EDD Secretary-Designate Rob Black. "Col. Cornett knows the military community in New Mexico and will continue our work on economic development investments around our bases."

Cornett expressed her intent to learn more about the communities surrounding New Mexico’s military bases: "This includes bringing increased benefits to those who need affordable housing, more options for education, and an overall better quality of life."

In 2022, EDD conducted a study on the economic impact of military installations in New Mexico, revealing support for 52,268 jobs and $2.8 billion in annual labor income. The sector accounts for more than $14 billion in industrial output.

Cornett assumed her duties on January 6, replacing Richard Glover who resigned at the end of 2024.