The New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) announced the addition of three new members to the state's Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council during its second meeting of 2025, held on March 26. The announcement was made public through a press release on April 4, 2025.
According to the press release, the newly appointed members are Kari Armijo, Bridget Dixson, and Natalie Guillen. Additionally, Lula Brown has been named vice chair following Rob Black's departure. The meeting in Albuquerque addressed updates on a statewide community assessment and discussed the release of the 2025 Family Engagement and Satisfaction Survey. The next council meeting is scheduled for May 28 in Hobbs.
"I am excited for the work of the advisory council in the year ahead," said Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. She emphasized that there is critical work ahead to "expand access, improve the quality of services and enhance outcomes for young children and their families," as well as strengthening "the early childhood workforce to ensure they receive the recognition and compensation they deserve."
The Early Childhood Education and Care Advisory Council was established in 2022 by New Mexico’s ECECD to support efforts toward a more unified and accessible early childhood system. It fulfills federal requirements for a state advisory council, replacing the previous Early Learning Advisory Council. According to the ECECD website, the council meets regularly with subcommittees and collaborates with stakeholders to support an affordable, high-quality prenatal-to-5 system for New Mexico families.
The ECECD itself was created in 2020 by Governor Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature. It oversees programs supporting children from prenatal stages to age five, including child care and nutrition services for families. Its mission is to build a cohesive early childhood system across New Mexico, informed by statewide assessments and public input, including Native American perspectives. Cabinet Secretary Groginsky has led efforts since her appointment in 2019 to expand access to services such as universal PreK and childcare assistance.
