This biography of a living person includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (October 2015) |
James B. Lewis is an American politician from the state of New Mexico. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the State Treasurer of New Mexico from 1985–1990 and from 2006–2014.
James B. Lewis | |
|---|---|
| 24th Treasurer of New Mexico | |
| In office 1985–1990 | |
| Preceded by | Earl Hartley |
| Succeeded by | David King |
| 29th Treasurer of New Mexico | |
| In office 2006–2014 | |
| Governor | Susana Martinez |
| Preceded by | Doug Brown |
| Succeeded by | Tim Eichenberg |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Roswell, New Mexico |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Deceased |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Bishop College |
He is the only African American state treasurer of New Mexico.
Early life, education and early career
Lewis was born in Roswell, New Mexico, graduated from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas and served 2 years in the US Army. When he returned to New Mexico, he worked for the New Mexico State Personnel Office and the Public Service Career Office in minority recruitment. He then became director of the African American Studies Division under the Multi-cultural Enrichment Program.
He received his Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Mexico as well as a BS/AS business degree from the National College of Business. He later worked for the District Attorney's office as a criminal investigator. Lewis was elected Bernalillo County Treasurer in 1982, becoming the first African American to win a countywide election in New Mexico. He won re-election in 1984.
Governor Bruce King appointed him chief of staff in November 1990. In 1996, Lewis was appointed City Administrator of Rio Rancho and later that year was appointed as head of the Office of Economic Development and Diversity at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C., by president Bill Clinton. He later served under Energy Secretary Bill Richardson.
In 2001, Lewis ran for the Mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico, losing to Martin Chavez. Following the election, he was appointed the City of Albuquerque's Chief Operating Officer. Lewis also held the position of Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Albuquerque, the highest ranking position for an African American in the history of Albuquerque's city governance. He retired from that post in 2005.
State Treasurer
In December 1985, Governor Toney Anaya appointed Lewis as State Treasurer after former State Treasurer Earl Hartley pled guilty to misusing funds of the Western State Treasurers Association.[1] He completed that term and ran for a full term in 1986, becoming the first African American elected to a statewide office in New Mexico.
In 2006, Lewis ran again for position of State Treasurer and won, serving as State Treasurer until term-limited in 2014.[2]
In October 2007, State Treasurer James B. Lewis was elected president of the Western State Treasurers Association. In 2014, Lewis was elected president of the National Association of Auditors, Comptrollers and State Treasurers.[3]
References
- ^ "Fiasco Frontier: New Mexico has had decades of political scandals – colorful ones". sfreporter.com. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
- ^ "Hundreds Gather for NM State Treasurer's Retirement Celebration". kob.com. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
- ^ "Treasurer James B. Lewis Named NASACT Head". nast.org. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
External links
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