Laura Montoya

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Meet New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya, a trailblazer who made history on January 1, 2023, as the state's first female Treasurer and the first Latina elected to this role in the United States. Raised and educated in Northern New Mexico, Laura M. Montoya's upbringing fostered a deep commitment to service, community, and policy work. While pursuing a master's degree, Laura M. Montoya worked as a Constituent Services Representative for U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman. Laura has held various roles within the New Mexico Legislature and served under former State Treasurers Douglas M. Brown and James B. Lewis. Throughout Laura’s career, Laura M. Montoya has dedicated efforts to serving New Mexicans at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels with unwavering dedication and skill. During two terms as Sandoval County Treasurer, Laura M. Montoya implemented effective internal controls and policies that led to commendable audit outcomes and a tax collection rate of 99.37%. As Legislative Chairwoman for the Treasurers Affiliate, Laura led the passage of over 20 pieces of legislation, reforming the tax structure to be fairer, simpler, and more equitable, and championing initiatives for veterans, seniors, and New Mexicans with disabilities. Laura also expanded the permissibility of investments within New Mexico for Class A counties and municipalities in these counties.

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Laura M. Montoya's dedication to fiscal policy extended nationally during time as Vice Chair of Finance, Pensions, and Intergovernmental Affairs for the National Association of Counties. Laura holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology, a master’s degree in public affairs, and numerous professional certifications, including Certified Treasury Official, Certified Public Official, and Certified Public Manager. Laura’s passion for financial literacy drives teaching finance and treasury classes to public employees, elected officials, and union members, while advocating for financial literacy as a graduation requirement in all New Mexico schools. Laura M. Montoya continues to fight for equity through various initiatives, such as the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (NM STABLE) program, Baby Bonds, and leading discussions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies. Laura's work ensures that financial policies foster a more inclusive and equitable future for all New Mexicans. Currently, Laura M. Montoya manages a $17 billion portfolio and sits on 13 boards, councils, and commissions that collectively oversee over $110 billion. With fierce and savvy leadership, Laura continues to drive positive change, uplifting the community and propelling New Mexico forward. Laura M. Montoya is proud to be the daughter of Councilman L. Michael and Geralyn Montoya of Las Vegas, NM.

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Treasurer Laura M. Montoya was sworn into office on January 1, 2023, as the first female state treasurer in New Mexico and the first elected Latina State Treasurer in the nation’s history. She was born, raised, and educated in northern New Mexico.

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Treasurer Montoya has served New Mexico for more than two decades at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels. She worked as a Constituent Services Representative for U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, held several roles at the New Mexico State Legislature, served under former state treasurer Douglas M. Brown, and assisted with the transition of power to former Treasurer James B. Lewis. Treasurer Montoya was elected to two consecutive terms as Sandoval County Treasurer in 2012 and 2016, which made her the youngest elected county treasurer in the state’s history at that time.

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Treasurer Montoya earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology with a minor in sociology and her master’s degree in public affairs from New Mexico Highlands University. In 2003, she earned the prestigious Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship and studied international relations at the University of Costa Rica. Treasurer Montoya has earned certifications as a Certified Treasury Official, Certified Public Official, and Certified Public Manager, accruing over 600 credit hours in finance, investments, treasury, market outlook, and leadership. More recently, she was awarded an Executive Treasury Management certificate from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Treasurer Montoya currently teaches finance and treasury classes to county and city employees, elected officials, and union members.

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The New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office is proposing statewide Baby Bonds legislation to ensure every child born in New Mexico has a pathway to a secure financial future.