Peter Mantos, currently the state CIO and cabinet secretary designate, will be shifting to a new role in which he will oversee IT-related special projects and governor-led initiatives.
“I am grateful for the new opportunity to continue to work in the governor’s office and help her fulfill her promises to New Mexicans,” Mantos said in the announcement. “I appreciate the time and dedication of the DoIT employees over the past year, and I am proud of the accomplishments we produced together.”
Mantos was tapped to lead DoIT in June 2022, taking over for Raja Sambandam, who was serving as acting head of the department. Sambandam took over for John Salazar in September 2021, following Salazar’s resignation.
Sambandam, who is currently serving as state chief information security officer, will serve as the interim cabinet secretary and CIO until the position is filled.
During his time leading DoIT, Mantos had a hand in reshaping the way that the state government manages data, having previously toldGovernment Technology that he was aiming to implement a set of data governance strategies to guide other state agencies’ data use.
Mantos brings more than 30 years of information technology experience to the new role, which includes work in software development and technical and project management. He has run his own consulting business and worked for such companies as Siemens, Intel and Digital Equipment Corp.
In addition, Mantos has experience working with federal and state governments, including as software developer for New Mexico's Department of Game and Fish and project manager for the New Mexico State Land Office.
