Santa Fe, NM - Today, Matt Geisel was confirmed as Cabinet Secretary for the Economic Development Department by the New Mexico Senate. Secretary Geisel was appointed as Cabinet Secretary by Governor Martinez in October 2016 and since his appointment has helped create over 750 jobs.

Under Secretary Geisel, the Economic Development Department has helped bring Keter Plastic's new West Coast manufacturing hub to Belen. This recruitment is creating 175 new manufacturing jobs and represents the first new economic based employer in the community in nearly 20 years. He has also presided over the growth of various New Mexico companies, including: Wholesome Valley Foods, SolAero Technologies, Valley Cold Storage and El Pinto Foods.

"Matt has shown that he is able to attract great investments to New Mexico and help our homegrown companies thrive," said Governor Martinez. "Prior to his appointment, Matt helped us bring Facebook, and Safelite to New Mexico and since coming on board, he's continued to prove his ability to help diversify New Mexico's economy."

Prior to being appointed as Cabinet Secretary, Geisel served as the City of Rio Rancho's economic development and business relations manager. Geisel also previously served as vice-chair of the New Mexico Economic Development Partnership, EDD's marketing arm. In that role, Geisel helped Governor Martinez's economic development team recruit new jobs and investment to New Mexico - including traveling with the Governor on several trade missions around the country that helped close deals with companies like Facebook, Safelite and PCM.

"It's an honor to be confirmed for this post," said Secretary Geisel. "With powerful economic development tools and a business friendly tax environment, I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Martinez to diversify our economy."

Geisel brings a strong and diverse background in both the private and public sectors to the Economic Development Department, including his previous service as vice-chair of the New Mexico Partnership. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Spanish from The University of California at Davis, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California at Los Angeles.