Garrett set to steer history museum

Former two-term Doña Ana County Commissioner Billy G. Garrett has been appointed to the position of executive director of the New Mexico History Museum, which is a division of the state’s Department of Cultural Affairs. He had been serving as interim director since last May.

Garrett said he and his wife, Cynthia, will retain their Las Cruces home, but they have taken up residence in Santa Fe while he is on board with the museum system.

He said he finds the work rewarding, and he sees a connection between his work as a county commissioner and what he’s doing now.

“It’s all about finding ways to bring the community together,” he said. “I’m excited in this position to help New Mexico’s history become more accessible to more people.”

According to a press release Garrett will oversee daily operations, a full calendar of public programs, and development of exhibitions. The campus of the New Mexico History Museum includes the Palace of the Governors, Pete V. Domenici Building, and Fray Angelico Chávez History Library. The museum is also home to the Palace Press, Palace Photo Archives, and the Native American Artisans Portal program.

“The New Mexico History Museum is one of Santa Fe’s most valued cultural treasures and an important resource for all New Mexicans,” Garrett said. “Building on this tradition offers wonderful opportunities for collaboration between museum staff, our supporters and communities across the state. Over the next three years, the Campaign for New Mexico History is going to generate the essential funding needed for new exhibitions, work on the Palace of the Governors, and expansion of public programs. I’m honored to have been selected as executive director as we begin this exciting and important work.”

As a county commissioner between 2011 and 2019, Garrett focused his efforts on infrastructure development, strategic planning, government transparency and animal welfare. He created the groundwork for what became the Zero in 7 initiative to lead the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley toward no-kill status, and he served on that entity’s board of directors for eight years.

Much of Garrett’s work experience has focused on management of cultural resources, environmental design, community planning and organizational management. He spent 26 years working for the National Park Service, where he developed a strong background as a manager and architect, with significant experience with historic structures. He’ll use this experience to build capacity in the museum, strengthen communications and relationships with the public, and ensure the relevance of programs to communities throughout New Mexico.

A third-generation New Mexican, Garrett graduated from Las Cruces High School and later received a B.A. of Architecture and an M.A. in Anthropology from Arizona State University. Following his retirement from the National Park Service in 2009, he returned to Las Cruces.