Alamogordo City Commission Unanimously Directs Contract Negotiations with Dr. Stephanie Hernandez as Permanent City Manager

Alamogordo, NM – March 10, 2026 – In a heartening display of consensus and forward momentum, the Alamogordo City Commission enthusiastically voted 7-0 on Tuesday evening to empower the city clerk and attorney to launch contract negotiations with Dr. Stephanie Hernandez for the permanent city manager role. This unanimous decision, emerging from a productive two-hour executive session and reconvened in open session, signals a bright new chapter for the community. The motion was proudly put forward by Commissioner Mark Tapley and swiftly seconded by Commissioner Warren Robinson, reflecting a shared vision for progress.

Dr. Hernandez, a dedicated resident who has capably served as acting city manager for an impressive 27 months, stands poised to become the first Hispanic leader in this pivotal position and the most highly educated in decades, armed with a Ph.D. Her leadership has already sparked positive change through innovative fiscal reforms, securing vital grants, upgrading essential infrastructure, and bolstering public safety with cutting-edge technology—setting the stage for even greater achievements ahead. With a strong emphasis on transparency, including successful Open Meetings Act and ethics trainings in 2024, and more planned for 2026, Hernandez is ready to foster an era of open, collaborative governance that unites residents and officials alike.

The selection process highlighted Hernandez’s strengths, narrowing to her and Theogene “Theo” Melancon after David A. Vela’s withdrawal during the l second-round interviews from March 3-6. Community enthusiasm is strong, with voices like Kim White Owl Murillo and multiple others repeatedly championing Hernandez’s role in driving Alamogordo’s growth and advocating for continued openness in the process.

Recent polls from Citizens for Transparency reveal strong community confidence in leaders supporting Hernandez underscoring a collective desire for transparent, effective governance that builds trust and propels the city forward.

This exciting development builds on Alamogordo’s resilient history, overcoming past challenges in the city manager’s office to embrace stability and innovation.

Since 2015, the city has navigated transitions with determination, learning from experiences with dedicated professionals like Jim Stahle, Dr. George Straface, Maggie Paluch, and Rick Holden. Now, with directions to close the search and place Dr. Hernandez at the helm, Alamogordo—a vibrant charter city with a commission-manager system is primed for stability and to pioneer a roadmap to prosperity, ethical excellence, and community-driven success.

The March 10 agenda included the executive session under New Mexico’s Open Meetings Act, paving the way for this public affirmation of hope and unity.

Upon completion of contract negotiations and the final vote for appointment within weeks, the future looks bright and promising for Alamogordo’s next chapter, and the staff can now hunker down on crafting a long-term roadmap for success

As negotiations come to a close, residents can look forward to a more transparent city, putting the search saga to bed, and a more collaborative city commission, with forward momentum, to build a thriving future with Dr. Hernandez leading the business of municipal government.

Citations:

[0] City Commission Regular Meeting 3-10-2026 - https://www.youtube.com/live/x4H6p8tKQ-k?si=06LNf6NAvBGT92mt

[1] The Race for City Manager: Dr. Stephanie Hernandez Discusses Transparency, Growth, and First 100 Days - https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/n/370653/race-city-manager-dr-stephanie-hernandez-discusses-transparency-growth-and

[2] Alamogordo City Commission Meeting Agenda Packed with Key Decisions March 10 Public Comment Encouraged - https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/n/370550/alamogordo-city-commission-meeting-agenda-packed-key-decisions-march-10

[5] Robust Backing for Mayor McDonald and Commissioner Robinson, While Rardin Leads in Distrust Followed by Burnett, Pattillo, Hernandez, and Tapley - https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/n/370551/alamogordo-poll-exposes-leadership-rift-robust-backing-mayor-mcdonald-and

[7] Alamogordo City Commission Agenda Fuels Speculation of Imminent Leadership Shakeup Amid City Manager Turmoil - https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/n/367796/alamogordo-city-commission-agenda-fuels-speculation-imminent-leadership

[11] The Race for City Manager: Theo Melancon Discusses Transparency, Growth, and First 100 Days - https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/n/370652/race-city-manager-theo-melancon-discusses-transparency-growth-and-first

[13] Residents press Alamogordo commission for transparency in city manager selection and District 5 forum | Citizen Portal - https://citizenportal.ai/articles/7412931/new-mexico/otero-county/alamogordo/residents-press-alamogordo-commission-for-transparency-in-city-manager-selection-and-district-5-forum

[30] Alamogordo City Commission Meeting Agenda Packed with Key Decisions March 10 Public Comment Encouraged - https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/n/370550/alamogordo-city-commission-meeting-agenda-packed-key-decisions-march-10

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