Peter Mantos takes over as secretary of the state’s Department of Information Technology from Raja Sambandam.
Once the acting secretary, Sambandam now returns to his job as New Mexico’s chief information security officer, according to a statement from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
According to the statement and his resume, Mantos brings more than 30 years of information technology experience to his new job, including 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.
Not only that, but 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, according to his resume. He has a master’s degree in computer science and a master's of business administration. He went to high school in Albuquerque.
“Peter Mantos is eminently qualified to lead the state agency tasked with deploying broadband resources and arming our state against cyber attacks,” Grisham said in the statement. “He will also be critical in our efforts to continue to modernize our technology for both state workers and the public we serve.”
Last year, Sambandam took over for John Salazar, who resigned because he wanted to take care of his wife, who had fractured her leg, according to his resignation letter.
As for Mantos, his focus will include expanding digital access for state residents. Late last year, in fact, lawmakers pressed state technology leaders about not doing enough to expand broadband access, including on tribal lands. More access and digital equity stands as a goal nationwide of CIOs and other technology leaders.
“I’m honored to lead the department under Gov. Lujan Grisham to help New Mexico better secure and expand our IT infrastructure,” Mantos said in the statement. “I am excited to help bring fast and affordable broadband statewide.”
