New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya, 9th from left, with members of the National Association of State Treasurers at the 2025 annual conference Sept. 14-17 in Denver, Colo. Courtesy photo
STATE News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya was unanimously elected last week to serve as the Western Region Vice President of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) at the 2025 NAST Conference during its 50th Anniversary, Sept. 14-17 in Denver, Colo.
Treasurer Montoya will succeed Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young, who chose not to seek reelection as he pursues elected office representing Colorado’s 8th Congressional District.
The Vice President position serves as a voting board member on the NAST Board of Directors, and an individual can serve two consecutive one-year terms before being term limited. The position is responsible for representing the region on the board of directors and providing oversight of the NAST finances and programs. The board meets virtually every other month and may hold an in-person meeting in conjunction with a NAST conference.
As Vice President, Treasurer Montoya will be responsible for leading and representing state treasurers from the western region of the United States on the NAST Western Region Committee, which includes Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The Western Region Committee provides a forum for member states to hold meetings and events, exchange insights, and address shared challenges before bringing matters forward to the NAST Board of Directors.
“It’s an honor to have the confidence of my colleagues to serve as NAST’s Western Region Vice President,” Treasurer Montoya said. “This is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with other leaders and shape financial policies that benefit not only our region but the entire nation. I look forward to representing New Mexico on the national stage and working with this distinguished group of state treasurers to address the economic opportunities and challenges we face.”
Treasurer Montoya will officially begin her first term Jan. 1, 2026.
About NAST:
NAST is an association overseen and governed by a slate of finance officials representing a diverse group of states on its Board of Directors. NAST is the foremost authority on responsible state treasury programs and related financial practices, policies, and education. Its membership includes state treasurers or comparable finance officials from across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia. The association also includes a Corporate Affiliate Program to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. Visit nast.org for more information.
About Treasurer Laura M. Montoya:
Laura M. Montoya became New Mexico’s first female State Treasurer on Jan. 1, 2023, and the nation’s first elected Latina State Treasurer, bringing the office over two decades of experience in banking, investments, and public policy. Under Treasurer Montoya’s direction, the office manages the state’s $19.6 billion investment portfolio. The Treasurer serves on 13 boards, councils, and commissions with fiduciary responsibility for state funds exceeding $160 billion.