Meet Treasurer Laura M. Montoya, a trailblazer who broke barriers on January 1, 2023, as New Mexico’s first female State Treasurer and the first elected Latina State Treasurer in the United States. Raised and educated in Northern New Mexico, Treasurer Montoya’s upbringing instilled in her a deep commitment to service, community, and policy work.
While earning her master’s degree, Treasurer Montoya worked as a Constituent Services Representative for U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman. She has worked in various roles within the New Mexico Legislature as well as for State Treasurers Douglas M. Brown and James B. Lewis. Treasurer Montoya has dedicated the entirety of her career to serving New Mexicans at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels with dedication, commitment, and skill.
During her two-term tenure as the elected Sandoval County Treasurer, she implemented effective internal controls and policies leading to commendable audit outcomes and a tax collection rate of 99.37%. As Legislative Chairwoman for the Treasurers Affiliate, Treasurer Montoya led the passage of over 20 pieces of legislation which reformed the tax structure to make it fairer, simpler, and more equitable, supported veterans, seniors, and New Mexicans with disabilities, and expanded the permissibility of investments in New Mexico for Class A counties and municipalities within Class A counties.
Treasurer Montoya served as Vice Chair of Finance, Pensions, and Intergovernmental Affairs for the National Association of Counties, reflecting her dedication to shaping sound fiscal policies. She holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology with a minor in sociology, a master’s degree in public affairs, and numerous professional certifications, including Certified Treasury Official, Certified Public Official, and Certified Public Manager. Montoya’s extensive education, alongside her passion for financial literacy, drives her to teach finance and treasury classes to county and city employees, elected officials, and union members as well as push for financial literacy as a graduation requirement in all New Mexico schools.
Treasurer Montoya works tirelessly to bridge the gap of inequity through various initiatives, including outreach for financial literacy, the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (NM STABLE) program, Baby Bonds, and thoughtful discussions on implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies in New Mexico and nationally. Her dedication ensures that financial policies and practices pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for all New Mexicans.
Currently, Treasurer Montoya manages a $17 billion portfolio. In addition, she sits on 13 boards, councils and commissions that collectively manage over $110 billion. Her fierce and savvy leadership continues to ignite positive change, uplifting community and advancing New Mexico forward. The Treasurer is proud to be the daughter of Councilman L. Michael and Geralyn Montoya of Las Vegas, NM.