Secretary Salazar Appoints Deanna Archuleta Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today named Deanna A. Archuleta, a water utility official and former county commissioner from Albuquerque, New Mexico, as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science. The appointment does not require Senate confirmation.

“Deanna has extensive experience and expertise in developing water policy and public-private partnerships,” Secretary Salazar said. “She understands western water issues, is a dedicated and energetic professional with strong team-building skills and will be a valuable member of our water and science leadership here at Interior.”

Since January 2008, Archuleta has been board chair of the Bernalillo County (Albuquerque) Water Utility, overseeing the completion of the San Juan Chama Drinking Water Project, one of the largest water treatment facilities in the United States. This multi-million dollar treatment plant provides clean drinking water to more than 600,000 residents of the Albuquerque area.

Archuleta won two terms as a county commissioner in Bernalillo County, and was elected to serve as the chair of the commission in 2009. She has focused on economic development, health care, public safety and quality of life initiatives during her service, working to encourage local and national businesses to invest resources in the county, creating local jobs and stimulating the economy.

During her first four years, she helped to acquire legislative funding and agency coordination that allowed the county to open the Metropolitan Assessment and Treatment Services Center that provides substance abuse treatment for thousands of indigent residents. She also developed a cooperative working relationship with University of New Mexico Hospital to provide extensive, additional healthcare services through a community-based model.

Most recently, Archuleta has served as the Southwest Regional Director for the Wilderness Society, engaging with local, state and federal elected officials as well as a wide variety of stakeholder groups to establish wild land protection throughout the region. She also served on President Elect Barack Obama's Transition Team in Washington, D.C.

Archuleta received a master degree in Sociology from the University of New Mexico in 2000 and is currently finishing her doctoral degree in Sociology at UNM. She received bachelor of arts degrees in Sociology and Communications from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1997.

As Deputy Assistant Secretary, Archuleta will advise and assist the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science who oversees the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Central Utah Project Completion Act Office. The Office of the Assistant Secretary is responsible for managing and directing programs supporting the development and implementation of western water policy and earth observation science focused on the nation.