In the past month, the Santa Fe Public Library has lost several employees, some due to retirement and some for other reasons. These departing employees have a combined library service of an amazing 102 years, according to Library Director Patricia Hodapp. Among the recent retirees are Judy Klinger, a reference librarian for 34 years, and Adriana Ortega, a library assistant in technical services for 32 years.

Klinger and Ortega had "very different styles and backgrounds, but what they had in common was making people feel welcome and safe while having fun getting information," noted Elizabeth West, a former reference librarian who spent
20 years with the Santa Fe Public Library before retiring in late 2010.

As of the end of January, the library also said farewell to these retirees: Main Library Director Tim Greer, interlibrary loan librarian Linda Hardman and reference librarians Elvira Segura and Christina Dunkin.

Meanwhile, at the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, new faces in high-level positions in recent months include Ryan Gleason, newly appointed as director of the Local Government Division. Previously with the Rio Rancho Economic Development Corporation, he also served with the federal government and in the New Mexico House of Representatives. Gleason "brings a combination of valuable experience, intelligence and energy" to the agency, said Department of Finance and Administration Secretary Tom Clifford.

Stephanie Schardin Clarke was named director of the State Board of Finance after serving as the board's interim director and before that as deputy director. Secretary Clifford described Clarke as an "exemplary employee whose professionalism, teamwork and courtesy make her an outstanding representative of the department in this highly visible and challenging position."

And Ricky Bejarano, a CPA with more than 33 years in the accounting, audit and tax fields, recently joined the agency as director of the Financial Control Division. Bejarano's prior experience includes working for a large private accounting firm, the New Mexico State Auditor's Office and other state agencies. He "comes to us with a distinguished résumé and a proven track record as someone who can solve big problems," Clifford said, when asked about his new recruit.

Several promotions in the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department accompanied the recent retirement of Maj. Robert Riggs. Riggs served the county for almost 19 years, transferring to the department from the Torrance County Sheriff's Office.

The early January retirement and promotion ceremony also honored Maj. Ken Johnson, promoted from captain; Capt. Adan Mendoza, promoted from lieutenant; Lt. William Pacheco, promoted from sergeant; Sgt. Mike
Martinez, promoted from corporal; and Nathan Segura and James Yeager, both promoted from deputy to corporal.

If you have news about a public employee, contact Fauntleroy at gussie7@fairpoint.net.