The New Mexico State Land Office has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Albuquerque Journal for the third consecutive year. The agency ranked third among midsize organizations, with between 150-499 employees. Previously, it secured first place in 2023 and second in 2024. Employees frequently described the workplace as "inclusive" and "supportive."
In March 2025, the State Land Office also received the Top Workplaces USA Award from USA Today for the second year running. It was the only organization from New Mexico to be in the top 25 across all sizes and sectors, ranking highest among government agencies.
Additionally, the office won Woman-Led Organizations Awards in both 2023 and 2024 under Top Workplaces Culture Excellence national awards. These accolades recognize outstanding organizations led by women. Energage, a human resources and technology research company, partnered with USA Today for national awards and with Albuquerque Journal for regional recognition.
Commissioner Garcia Richard expressed her gratitude towards employees: “We would not have been able to do any of the good work we’ve done over the past six years at the State Land Office without the dedicated employees here,” she said. “Any workplace award is directly due to them and the effort and attitude they bring to their jobs every day.”
Energage's awards are based on anonymous employee surveys measuring characteristics critical to organizational success. Recent survey results showed that 95% of employees highly recommend working at the State Land Office, while 92% believe it operates by strong values.
Under Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard's leadership since 2019, policies promoting fairness and diversity have been implemented. The office’s mission includes earning revenue for public institutions through leasing state lands for various uses such as energy production and agriculture.
Since her tenure began, more than $12 billion has been raised for New Mexico schools, hospitals, and universities through these initiatives. Over 13 million acres of state trust land are leased for multiple purposes including renewable energy development.
