Sambandam brings over two decades of experience in IT and business to the role. Before his new position, he was chief risk and security officer for the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, where he led the agency's internal audit function, among other duties.
Prior to his stint with New Mexico, he served as vice president and director of technology and operational audit for Vantiv, now known as Worldpay/FIS.
Appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in March 2020, Salazar submitted a letter of resignation in July stating that he was stepping down to take care of his wife, who fractured her leg.
As CIO, Salazar worked with the state’s Department of Information Technology to modernize New Mexico’s IT infrastructure and increase broadband connectivity, along with other IT initiatives.