University of New Mexico President Louis Caldera, after consultation with the UNM Board of Regents on Thursday, announced that long time state government executive David Harris would be joining the university as its Executive Vice President for Administration. At a special meeting Thursday afternoon, the UNM Regents unanimously passed a resolution recognizing Harris's unique qualifications for the appointment, due to his “extensive experience working at the highest levels of two State Government Administrations and the New Mexico Legislature.”
In a related matter, the Regents also supported naming Brian Foster as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective immediately. Foster has served as UNM's Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs since April 2001.
Regarding Harris' appointment, Caldera said, “He brings tremendous experience to the position. David Harris is a seasoned government executive with a wealth of knowledge in financial matters and a long association with the New Mexico state government.” Harris was the Director of the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee from 1989 to 1995, and served Governor Gary Johnson as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration from 1995-2000. Governor Bill Richardson named Harris his deputy chief of staff in January 2001, a position he held until May 2003 when he became the executive director of the New Mexico Finance Authority.
"David Harris was an invaluable advisor because of his vast institutional knowledge and expertise and his relationships with people from all corners of New Mexico,” says Richardson. “He will be an asset to the University of New Mexico. Nonetheless, I will still call on his services in the future for special assignments.”
UNM Regents' President Jamie Koch calls Harris's selection “a real coup” for the University. “He is probably the top fiscal person in the State of New Mexico,” says Koch. Regent Mel Eaves remarked that “anyone who has been an observer of State of New Mexico governmental finance for the last 10 – 15 years, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, will realize that David Harris is a blue chip recruit for UNM.”
Contract negotiations with Harris are underway and his starting date at the university has yet to be determined. Provost Foster will continue to serve under his present contract for the remainder of this fiscal year.
Contact: Susan McKinsey (505) 277-1989
Posted by kwentworth at March 25, 2004 09:40 AM