N.M. Stat. § 9-22-5
of veterans' services; appointment.
A. The chief executive and administrative officer of the department is the "secretary
of veterans' services". The secretary shall be appointed by the governor with the
consent of the senate and shall hold the office at the pleasure of the governor and serve
in the executive cabinet.
B. An appointed secretary shall serve and have all of the duties, responsibilities and
authority of the office during the period of time prior to final action by the senate
confirming or rejecting his appointment.