Our Leadership

Valerie D. Sandoval brings more than 26 years of dedicated service and experience in state government to her role as Acting Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). Nine of those years have been serviced with CYFD in a variety of leadership roles including Deputy Secretary of the Protective Services and Juvenile Justice Divisions. 

Born and raised in Santa Fe, Sandoval is a proud New Mexican and graduate of St. Michael’s High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree and has dedicated her career to public service, with a strong focus on improving the lives of New Mexico’s children and families. Acting Secretary Sandoval has built a career backed by a limitless devotion to systems that protect and support vulnerable populations. Her leadership reflects a commitment to building a stronger, better child welfare system and resilient workforce for the Department. 

Throughout her tenure in state government, she has held a wide range of leadership roles focused on child welfare, behavioral health, and public policy. Her experience spans frontline casework to executive leadership, giving her a unique, comprehensive understanding of the challenges families face — and the opportunities for meaningful reform.