Albuquerque’s Chief Administrative Officer Sarita Nair Honored as a Woman of Influence
ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Today, the City of Albuquerque’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sarita Nair was honored at the 12th Annual Albuquerque Business First’s Women of Influence Awards. Sarita was appointed by Mayor Tim Keller to the City’s highest ranking position and was confirmed unanimously by Albuquerque’s City Council. She came to the city after serving as the Chief Government Accountability Officer and General Counsel for the State Auditor’s Office and an extensive legal career.
Sarita is the first woman to hold the position of Chief Administrative Officer in the City’s history. She spearheads critical efforts on public safety, ending the backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits in New Mexico, and integrating equality in the city’s policies. She was one of 27 women from across New Mexico to be recognized by Albuquerque Business First.
“It’s an honor to join in this award with all of the incredible women who are leading and shaping our community,” stated Sarita Nair. “As the first woman to serve as Albuquerque’s Chief Administrative Officer, I am committed to building a safe, innovative and inclusive city for all of us. Thank you for recognizing our innovative work and the new face of leadership.”
Mayor Tim Keller presented the award to Sarita Nair at the luncheon, where she was joined by family members and colleagues.
“With Sarita’s leadership at Mayor’s office, and previously at the State Auditor’s office, we have been able to make important strides on some of the most critical issues facing our city and state,” stated Mayor Tim Keller. “Sarita’s extensive experience and dedication to making government work better for everyone is an incredible asset. We’re proud to stand with her today to celebrate the women who are leading Albuquerque’s institutions, our businesses and our community organizations.
Before serving as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer, Sarita Nair served as the Office of the State Auditor’s Chief Government Accountability Officer and General Counsel. She joined the OSA after being a private practice attorney, representing private companies and public entities in business and governance matters since 2004 and was a shareholder at Sutin, Thayer and Browne. She is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell, and has been recognized by Best Lawyers, Southwest Super Lawyers, and Chambers & Partners USA. Before entering private practice, Sarita clerked for Judge Lynn Pickard at the New Mexico Court of Appeals. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law.
Prior to her law career, Sarita worked in the field of international development and consulted on policy initiatives for a number of organizations including the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the New York City Parks and Recreation Department. She earned a master’s degree from the University of New Mexico School of Community and Regional Planning and earned her bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University. She is active in the community, having served on the boards of many nonprofits and legal groups.