New Mexico Institutions Unite to Highlight Careers in Government Finance

In April, the UNM Anderson School of Management partnered with the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office and New Mexico State University to host a collaborative program connecting students with senior leaders across state government. The cross-institutional event showcased career pathways in public-sector finance, including accounting, budgeting, and investment management.

The half-day program featured panel discussions with directors and executives from the Public Employees Retirement Association, the Educational Retirement Board, the New Mexico Finance Authority, the State Investment Council, and the State Personnel Office.

New Mexico State Treasurer Laura Montoya led the conversations, held in the McKinnon Center living room. Panel topics included building generational wealth through Baby Bonds, exploring state internship opportunities, understanding what state leaders seek in emerging financial professionals, and navigating career advancement in government finance. The program concluded with a networking lunch, giving students the opportunity to engage directly with panelists and other finance leaders.

“Students are entering the workforce at a time of real economic uncertainty, and it is more important than ever that they know meaningful opportunities exist right here in New Mexico. At the same time, our state needs their talent, their ideas, and their ambition. Public finance careers open the door for them to build strong and stable futures while serving the people and communities we love. If we want to slow our state’s brain drain, we must show them they can lead, succeed, and make a lasting impact here without ever leaving home,” said New Mexico State Treasurer Laura Montoya.

The event also created space for academic leaders to explore pathways for integrating public service opportunities into the curriculum, helping students engage more directly with careers in government and the public sector. Representing Anderson were Dean Alina Chircu, Associate Dean Reilly White, Accounting Faculty Chair Ling Zhou, Lecturer Ryan Knight, Associate Professor Yongjin Kim, Assistant Professor Debby Banks, and incoming Economics Faculty Chair Matias Fontenla. Participants from NMSU included College of Business Dean Bryan Ashenbaum and Department of Finance Chair Harikumar Sankaran.

“One of the biggest takeaways for students: if you want to see finance in action, don’t just look at Wall Street - look at who’s managing billions on behalf of the public. This is where the stakes are real, and the impact is generational,” said Associate Dean White.

The event was made possible through the collaboration of Treasurer Laura Montoya and her team at the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office, Anderson Associate Dean Reilly White, and NMSU Department of Finance Chair Harikumar Sankaran.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the connection between higher education and state government, with the goal of building the next generation of finance leaders in New Mexico.