Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Aug. 23 that Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Donnie Quintana will step down effective Sept. 1.

“I appreciate Secretary Quintana’s work in his time at the Department of Veterans’ Services, and also his decision to step aside to allow for new leadership to accelerate the work of the agency,” Lujan Grisham said. “I am looking forward to launching a broad search for the next leader of the Department, who must deliver on that mission for the men and women who served our state and country.”

Quintana was appointed in January and was confirmed earlier this year.

Brig. Gen. Jamison Herrera, the Deputy Adjutant General of the New Mexico National Guard, will serve as acting secretary until a permanent replacement is named.