Press Releases

Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) is pleased to welcome Jessie Greenspan as the Strategic Initiatives and Government Relations Manager in the Office of the Secretary. Jessie will oversee special projects for the Cabinet Secretary and legislative priorities across divisions. She joins NMDCA most recently from the New Mexico State Senate where she was Chief of Staff for the Senate Rules Committee and to Chairwoman, Senator Katy Duhigg. 

“We are very excited to welcome Jessie to NMDCA,” said Debra Garcia y Griego, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. “Her deep understanding of the New Mexico legislative process, recent public policy work, and expertise in strategy development and implementation will help enhance the agency’s strong relationship with the state Legislature and advance NMDCA’s most critical initiatives.” 

Jessie brings more than 15 years of experience in philanthropy, policy advocacy, and program development and evaluation, with expertise in integrating good governance policies and place-based community development efforts at a state and local level. Formerly based out of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Jessie worked to create more accessible and inclusive communities through government accountable strategies with the Open Society Foundations. She managed collaboratives of elected officials, public administrators with municipal and state agencies, as well as nonprofit and advocacy organizations, arts institutions, and community leaders nationwide. 

“I am excited to join this diverse and innovative team responsible for protecting and promoting New Mexico’s culture,” said Greenspan. 

Jessie is from Santa Fe, attended the University of Colorado Boulder where she received a BA in International Affairs and Peace and Conflict Studies, and the University of Baltimore- Graduate School of Public Affairs, where she pursued her master’s degree in Global Affairs and Human Security.    

About New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs   

Created in 1978 by the New Mexico Legislature, the Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) is New Mexico’s cultural steward, charged with preserving and showcasing the state’s cultural riches. With its eight museums, eight historic sites, arts, archaeology, historic preservation, and library programs, NMDCA is one of the largest and most diverse state cultural agencies in the nation. Together, the facilities, programs, and services of the Department support a $5.6 billion cultural industry in New Mexico.