Dr. Samantha Sengel Unanimously Confirmed as City’s New Chief Administrative Officer

This evening, the Albuquerque City Council unanimously confirmed Mayor Tim Keller’s appointment of long-time CNM Vice President, Dr. Samantha Sengel, to serve as the City’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Dr. Sengel will now begin transitioning into the role held by Lawrence Rael, who will be retiring in November.

Dr. Sengel is a proven leader in creating community success through innovation and economic development.  Prior to her appointment, she gained over two decades of experience in management and executive leadership during her 22 years at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). Her well-established working relationships with leaders across all branches of local government will prove valuable assists for the City in fulfilling its priorities.

"Dr. Sengel has the necessary skills to transition her decades of deep concern for educating our workforce into full dedication for all we need to do to help our city,” said Mayor Keller. “Her qualifications and experience are a tremendous compliment to the City’s leadership team, for collaborating with stakeholders, and for lifting up all things Albuquerque.”

“I look forward to working alongside all of our dedicated City employees and continue my focus on helping shape Albuquerque as an ideal place for families and individuals to thrive,” said Dr. Samantha Sengel. “This has been my life’s work for a quarter century, and I am pleased to continue that mission with my new team.”

In addition to being responsible for day-to-day operations, the City of Albuquerque’s CAO has formal control in the charter and oversees nearly 6,000 employees. With authority over $1 billion in annual spending, the role is considered one of the most impactful non-elected positions in our state’s government