Mayor-elect Michael Garcia takes the oath of office next week, and to get ready he's been making staff appointments and taking applications.
On Tuesday, he chose three experienced City of Santa Fe leaders to serve in interim roles intended to ensure continuity of operations, stability, and effective leadership during the transition period. Garcia appointed sitting Chief of the Santa Fe Fire Department as Interim City Manager. Senior Assistant City Attorney has been named Interim City Attorney and Deputy City Clerk Geralyn Cardenas is now Interim City Clerk.
Garcia added, “Readiness and transparency are essential as we begin this new chapter. These appointments ensure that City Hall is prepared to operate effectively on day one, while we conduct a thoughtful and open process to assess long-term leadership needs. Our focus is on stability, accountability, and making sure the public can have confidence in how their city government is functioning.”
The interim appointments will take effect January 1, 2026, and will remain in place as the administration conducts a thoughtful review of permanent leadership needs.
On Monday, Garcia announced the City of Santa Fe is accepting applications for the City Clerk position. The City Clerk reports directly to the Mayor and leads the City Clerk’s Office, which plays a central role in records management, meeting and agenda administration, elections, civic engagement, constituent services, and public communications. The office also serves as a primary point of access for residents engaging with city government.
“As we prepare to take office, my focus is on building a strong, professional team that will help City Hall serve Santa Feans with openness, responsiveness, and integrity,” Garcia said in a different release. “The City Clerk is a critical partner in that work, and I encourage qualified candidates who care deeply about public service and community engagement to apply.”
Interested applicants should click here.
