Laura M. Montoya

Treasurer Laura M. Montoya was sworn into office on January 1, 2023, as the first female state treasurer in New Mexico and the first elected Latina state treasurer in the nation’s history. She was born, raised, and educated in northern New Mexico.

Treasurer Montoya has served New Mexico for more than two decades at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels. She worked as a Constituent Services Representative for U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, held several roles at the New Mexico State Legislature, served under former state treasurer Douglas M. Brown, and assisted with the transition of power to former Treasurer James B. Lewis.

Treasurer Montoya was elected to two consecutive terms as Sandoval County Treasurer in 2012 and 2016, which made her the youngest elected county treasurer in the state’s history at that time.

Treasurer Montoya earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology with a minor in sociology and her master’s degree in public affairs from New Mexico Highlands University. In 2003, she earned the prestigious Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship and studied international relations at the University of Costa Rica.

Treasurer Montoya has earned certifications as a Certified Treasury Official, Certified Public Official, and Certified Public Manager, accruing over 600 credit hours in finance, investments, treasury, market outlook, and leadership. More recently, she was awarded an Executive Treasury Management certificate from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Treasurer Montoya currently teaches finance and treasury classes to county and city employees, elected officials, and union members.

Treasurer Montoya works tirelessly to address inequities through various State Treasurer’s Office initiatives. She is advocating to make financial fitness a graduation requirement in all New Mexico high schools, implementing the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (NM STABLE) program in alignment with federal law, championing efforts to create New Mexico Baby Bonds legislation, and leading conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies in New Mexico and nationally.

Treasurer Montoya was honored as a Power100 ‘Icon’ for her tireless efforts to drive performance, impact the industry, and contribute to narrowing societal gaps, and was awarded a Cabrera Capital Markets award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to the Latino community; a Public Service Advocacy Award at the 2025 Santa Fe Accessibility Awards; and a Courageous Leadership Award at the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) 18^th Annual Leadership Gala. She was unanimously elected to serve as the Western Region Vice President of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) and selected as the first-ever Investments & Pensions Track “Ambassador” at the 2025 National Institute of Public Finance (NIPF).

Treasurer Montoya’s dedication ensures that sound financial policies and practices pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for New Mexico. She manages the state’s $19.6 billion portfolio and serves on 13 boards, councils, and commissions with fiduciary responsibility for state funds exceeding $160 billion.