Alamogordo Town News Exclusive: City Manager Transition Looms as Dr. Stephanie Hernandez Departs June 30; Union Urges Employees to Stand United Amid Uncertainty

Alamogordo, NM — June 18, 2026

As the City of Alamogordo prepares for a significant leadership change with the arrival of new City Manager Robert Stockwell effective July 1, Acting City Manager Dr. Stephanie Hernandez will conclude her service to her hometown on June 30, 2026. Hernandez, who has provided steady leadership in the acting role for an extended period amid previous transitions, announced her departure earlier this month.

The transition follows a contentious process marked by closed-door decisions and limited public input, raising concerns among residents and city employees about transparency and potential impacts on city operations. In response to these developments, the employee union has issued a strong advisory reminding bargaining unit members of their contractual rights and protections.

Union Advisory: “The Union Has Your Back!”

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Markus Bartlett of AFSCME Council 18 sent the following email to city employees, including AFSCME Local 3818 President Tamara Hansen. The message, obtained by Alamogordo Town News, addresses widespread concerns following the City Commission’s actions:

From: Bartlett

Date: Tue, Jun 16, 2026 at 11:04 AM

Subject: The Union Has Your Back! Time to Stand United!!

To: tamara hansen 

YOUR RIGHTS DO NOT CHANGE WHEN MANAGEMENT CHANGES

To All City of Alamogordo Bargaining Unit Employees:

Yesterday’s action by the City Commission to install a new City Manager without the transparency and meaningful community involvement many employees and residents expected has created understandable concern throughout the workforce.

Employees are asking serious questions:

Will departments be outsourced?

Will positions be eliminated?

Will employees be targeted or treated unfairly?

Will the workplace become more intimidating, hostile, or retaliatory?

At this point, rumors and speculation are not proof of what the new administration will do. However, the Union will not ignore warning signs, and we will not wait until employees are harmed before reminding everyone of their rights.

A new City Manager may change the administration, but no City Manager has the authority to erase your Union contract, disregard state law, or silence City employees. AFSCME Local 3818 has your back!

Key Highlights from the Union Advisory:

• Contract Remains in Force: Despite the prior expiration date of June 30, 2025, Section 45 ensures the agreement stays in full effect until a successor is ratified. Management cannot unilaterally disregard it.

• Just Cause Protection: Probationary employees who have completed their period cannot be disciplined or discharged without just cause (Section 40). The contract emphasizes progressive discipline, fairness, privacy in handling issues, and the right to Union representation in investigatory or pre-disciplinary meetings.

• Seven Tests of Just Cause: The Union outlines critical questions for any disciplinary action, including adequate warnings, fair investigations, consistent application of rules, and whether the punishment fits the offense.

• Grievance and Arbitration Rights: Section 41 provides avenues to challenge actions. Employees should document everything and contact the Union promptly, as initial deadlines are short (typically 15 days).

• Outsourcing Protections: Section 15 requires notification, input, cost comparisons, and transparency before contracting out bargaining-unit work. The Union vows to enforce this and advocate for keeping public services public.

• State Law Protections: Under the New Mexico Public Employee Bargaining Act (NMSA 1978, Sections 10-7E-5 and 10-7E-19), employees have rights to organize, engage in concerted activities, and be free from retaliation, discrimination, or interference for Union involvement.

The email urges employees to contact Tamara Hansen or Markus Bartlett immediately for any concerns regarding meetings that could lead to discipline, changes in duties, outsourcing, retaliation, or other issues. It emphasizes: “Do not resign in anger. Do not sign documents you do not understand.”

In closing, the Union states: “We are stronger together. We will remain vigilant. We will enforce the contract. We will defend one another.” It encourages membership and active participation.

Context and Ongoing Concerns

Dr. Hernandez’s departure marks the end of a tenure that included significant stability efforts, as detailed in her recent public statements. The Commission’s 5-2 vote to appoint Robert Stockwell came after executive sessions with limited public disclosure, drawing criticism for bypassing broader transparency.

Alamogordo Town News will continue to monitor the transition, city operations, and any effects on employees and residents. As always, we prioritize transparency and accountability in local government.

City employees with concerns are encouraged to reach out to their Union representatives as outlined. Residents can stay informed via AlamogordoTownNews.org and KALH Radio.

This is an Alamogordo Town News exclusive report. Tips and documents can be submitted confidentially to our newsroom via email to ChrisEdwards@kalhradio.org or text 575-520-2785 

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