NM Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham | governor.state.nm.us
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Jeffrey Lopez as the Director of the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion. Lopez, who brings a wealth of federal policy and infrastructure expertise, is expected to advance the state's digital connectivity efforts.
"Jeffrey possesses the perfect combination of federal policy knowledge, broadband program prowess, and familiarity with New Mexico communities that our state needs to maximize the historic broadband investments underway," said Gov. Lujan Grisham. "His leadership will help ensure every New Mexican has access to reliable, high-speed internet, from our rural communities to our tribal nations."
Lopez has over 12 years of experience in federal roles supporting New Mexicans. Before this appointment, he was a senior policy advisor and state staff for U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján. He managed the senator’s responsibilities as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband and worked on legislation leading to the creation of the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Act. This act provides $675 million for connecting unserved and underserved households across New Mexico.
Additionally, Aquiles “Alex” Trujillo has been named deputy director. Trujillo offers more than 20 years of experience in broadband and telecommunications leadership. His previous work with OBAE in 2022 included directing the statewide Technical Assistance Program and authoring significant parts of New Mexico’s Middle Mile Strategy.
Both appointments are effective immediately.
Gov. Lujan Grisham also expressed gratitude towards Manny Barreras for his service as acting director since April while maintaining his duties as Secretary of the Department of Information Technology.
