Jun 15, 2007: Tomasita Gallegos Retires from the State Treasurer's Office

After more than 22 years, Tomasita (fondly known as Tommie) Gallegos is turning in her calculator and saying good-bye to her duties as Investment Accounting Bureau Chief in the State Treasurer's Office.

"Tommie takes a wealth of institutional knowledge with her as she retires. We've all been picking her brain to capture and document as much of that knowledge as possible before she leaves us. Her dedication and conscientious service to the citizens of New Mexico deserve the highest respect," said Treasurer James B. Lewis.

Her contributions, accomplishments, and customer service are legendary in the Treasurer's Office and beyond. Tommie was instrumental in beginning the Local Government Investment Pool (now with nearly $1 billion under management for 143 statewide local governmental entities) and in the implementation of the current investment accounting system used by the Treasurer's Office. Tommie also shouldered the responsibility for finalizing and repaying state bond issues and debt, and reporting the state's investment activities and interest earnings.

Tommie began her career with the state in Treasurer Earl Hartley's administration as the supervisor of the operations side of the office and was promoted after the first year into the investment accounting division. When asked about the changes she's witnessed through seven different administrations and the passage of time, Tommie remarked on the increase in the number of employees, as well as the technological advances, and the growth in the investment side of the office.

Joelle Mevi, Investment Division Director and Chief Investment Officer, has worked with Tommie for the past year and a half, "long enough to recognize her complete dedication, accomplished expertise, and total professionalism. These qualities truly made her a 'treasure' to the Treasurer’s Office. She will be missed, but it's hard to think of anyone more completely worthy of a long and happy retirement."

Tommie plans to "take it one day at a time and play it by ear" as she gets used to a new routine that doesn't involve an 8-hour-plus work day with long commutes at both ends of her day. A constantly hardworking member of the staff, Tommie will be missed by one and all at the Treasurer's Office and by those in other state agencies and in the banking and investment communities with whom she worked so closely for the past 22 years. We wholeheartedly wish her a long and healthy retirement.