Enchantment State News

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico has announced the appointment of Melanie A. Kenderdine as the Cabinet Secretary of the state's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. Kenderdine, who currently serves as the co-founder, Principal, and Executive Vice President of the Energy Futures Initiative in Washington, D.C., will assume her role as EMNRD Secretary-Designate on May 8, 2024.

In a statement, Gov. Lujan Grisham expressed her confidence in Kenderdine, stating, "Melanie has proven herself to be a strategic thinker in the realm of energy policy, and her expertise in this area is recognized both nationally and internationally." The Governor emphasized her anticipation of the positive impact Kenderdine will have in shaping New Mexico's clean-energy future.

Prior to her appointment, Kenderdine held prominent positions at the U.S. Department of Energy during the Obama and Clinton administrations. Her contributions included involvement in initiatives like Mission Innovation and significant projects such as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil exchange of 2000 and the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve.

Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Kenderdine remarked, “I am honored to join Governor Lujan Grisham’s administration as Secretary of the Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources." She also highlighted the Governor's commitment to positioning New Mexico as a national leader in the journey towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite her career being primarily based in Washington, D.C., Kenderdine has ties to New Mexico, having graduated from Manzano High School in Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico.

The appointment of Melanie A. Kenderdine as the Secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department underscores Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's dedication to advancing clean energy initiatives and fostering sustainable practices within the state.