Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Hawkes appointed to lottery board

T.S. Last El Defensor Chieftain General Manager, tslast@dchieftain.com

Michael Hawkes, executive director of the Alamo Navajo School Board, was recently sworn in as a member of the New Mexico Lottery Board.

After much contemplation, Hawkes decided to accept the appointment offer by Gov. Bill Richardson.

"It's an honor to be called upon to serve on behalf of the citizens of New Mexico," Hawkes said in a phone interview Monday. "I wanted to get involved because I wanted to make sure it's a vital and productive program that affords New Mexicans the opportunities available to them. I wanted to be a part of the program because I believe the concept and legislation that created it has a positive impact."

Since 1996 when the lottery was established in the state, more than $361,000 million has been raised for education, benefiting 48,000 students, according to the New Mexico Lottery Web site.

The Lottery Board is made up of seven people, though two seats are currently vacant.

Hawkes said that he was first contacted by the Governor's Office in April. He was told they were looking for someone with his background in business, education and law enforcement to serve on the board.

Though he was honored by the offer, Hawkes said he thought long and hard about taking on an additional responsibility.

"It wasn't an easy decision for me because of the multitude of projects I'm currently involved in," he said. "I believe if you are asked to serve that you perform to the best of your capability and I didn't want to make a hurried decision."

As executive director of the ANSB, Hawkes oversees five divisions and approximately 50 programs. A $4.8 million staff housing project is currently underway on the Alamo Navajo Indian Reservation. Hawkes is actively involved in trying to get a wood products program off the ground and is assisting the Alamo Chapter with a water and sewer improvement project.

In addition, Hawkes is vice-chair of the Native American Health and Welfare Trust Association.

Hawkes said he felt his reputation as someone who watches the bottom line earned him the appointment. He said a new state statute requires that the lottery return at least 30 percent of total revenues by 2009, and that he has already been asked if he'd like to serve on the fiscal committee.

"I'll serve in any capacity I'm asked," he said. "I've been a public servant since I was 19 years old and find it to be very rewarding. This appointment is just another opportunity to allow me to serve and give back to my community and the state of New Mexico."

A Belen native, Hawkes is a former New Mexico State Police Officer. He is married to Socorro County Clerk Audrey Jaramillo and has lived in Socorro since 1992. He is a graduate of New Mexico Tech and earned a master's degree from the University of New Mexico.

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