Ken Ortiz, Secretary

Department of Workforce Solutions

Ken F. Ortiz was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson on August 31, 2009. Mr. Ortiz previously served as a Deputy Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. Previously, Ken came from the Taxation and Revenue Department where he served, most recently, as State MVD Director.

Ken Ortiz is a native New Mexican. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from New Mexico State University in 1993. He began his state government career as a Financial Auditor for the Human Services Department, Office of Inspector General specializing in Medicaid Fraud. Ken then moved to the Taxation and Revenue Department in 2000 as a tax auditor for various tax programs within TRD. In 2002, Ken was promoted to implement the “Drive Insured” program, which has reduced New Mexico’s uninsured rate from a worst in the nation 33% to 9% currently.

In April 2005, Ken was appointed by Governor Richardson to serve as Director of the Motor Vehicle Division, which oversees, 33 state run field offices, 39 municipal offices and 18 private retail offices.

During his tenure as Director, MVD has been able to better serve the public by decreasing the average wait times, improving technology and greater customer satisfaction.