The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

 


Media contact: Susan McKinsey, 277-1989

June 13, 2006

UNM PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF TWO DIRECTORS

University of New Mexico Acting President David Harris today announced the appointment of C. Christine Chavez as Director of Internal Audit and Marc H. Saavedra as Government Relations Director.

As internal audit director, Chavez will be responsible for the overall operation of the internal audit department, which conducts independent review and appraisal of the fiscal and administrative operations of the University. The director also consults with and advises the Board of Regents, university administrators, faculty and staff on operational and administrative issues.

“A strong and effective audit function is essential to the University,” said Harris. “Christine's extensive experience in public sector performance-based auditing is just what UNM needs at this time.”

Chavez has over 20 years experience in public sector auditing. She has been with the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee since 1991, most recently serving as deputy director for Performance Audit. She also held positions of Performance Audit manager and senior performance auditor. Prior to working for the state legislature, Chavez was with the State Auditor's office for six years. She is a UNM graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. She is also a certified public accountant.

Chavez will start her position on July 10, 2006. She replaces Debra Yoshimura who resigned in May.

Saavedra was one of 45 applicants from New Mexico and around the country who were identified as part of a competitive search process for government relations director. His selection was recommended by a search committee comprised of a dean, faculty and staff from across campus who have been involved in UNM's legislative affairs initiatives. As director, Saavedra will advocate for UNM during the legislative session and coordinate relations with external constituencies. He started his new position on June 12, 2006.

“Through the interview process, Marc demonstrated he was the most qualified candidate,” said Carlos Rey Romero, UNM Associate Vice President of Government and Community Relations. “I am confident he will do an excellent job representing UNM.”

Saavedra brings more than 16 years of government relations and budget and appropriations expertise to the job. A graduate of the University of Arizona , he began his career as a paid intern for U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, working for the Senate Budget Committee in Washington , D.C. Upon his return to New Mexico , Saavedra worked for three years as budget analyst and legislative liaison at the 2 nd Judicial District Court in Albuquerque . He was then hired by the Bernalillo Country Metropolitan Court (BCMC), progressing from the position of management analyst to that of court administrator for the largest court of limited jurisdiction in the state, a position he held for three years.

During his tenure with the courts, Saavedra was responsible for preparing, administering and lobbying for the state's two largest judicial budgets. He was also involved with government affairs, representing BCMC at the federal, state and local levels.

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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

www.unm.edu