Dr. Stephon L. Scott
NMDVR News:
SANTA FE — Dr. Stephon L. Scott has been appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to serve as the director of the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (NMDVR), effective Aug. 18, 2025.
“It is truly an honor to be a part of NMDVR,” Dr. Scott said. “I am deeply committed to serving our great state by ensuring that eligible individuals with disabilities have equitable, robust, and timely vocational rehabilitation services, so they may secure gainful employment consistent with their skill, will, and passion. NMDVR is a significant part of the solution. I strongly believe that where there is will and opportunity, advancement is sure to follow. Let’s lead!”
Dr. Scott is a seasoned Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) professional with more than 25 years of federal experience specializing in EEO, anti-harassment, workplace disability accommodations, personnel investigations, performance management, and alternative dispute resolution. He has held senior leadership roles at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he directed compliance, training, policy development, and workplace accessibility programs and initiatives.
A certified EEO counselor, investigator, and mediator, Dr. Scott has extensive expertise in leadership development and performance management. He has served in legal roles with the State of New Mexico and tribal courts, and he is trained in workplace accommodations and FMLA by the National Employment Law Institute.
NMDVR is a division of the Public Education Department. “We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Scott as the new director,” Secretary of Public Education Mariana D. Padilla said. “His years in education have given him a strong understanding of people’s needs and the practical know-how to help them succeed—strengths that will be invaluable in guiding the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.”
Before working in Washington, DC, Dr. Scott was with Albuquerque Public Schools as a senior educator, advisor, and project coordinator. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Trident University International, both a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in English-Prelaw from The University of New Mexico, and a Mediation certification from The Justice Center of Atlanta.
Dr. Scott has earned several honors during his government career, including the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Award, NIH Director’s Award, and Federal Performance Awards. He is a former president of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural Council in Albuquerque. Dr. Scott is also a proud U.S. Army combat veteran.