Melanie A. Kenderdine has resigned from her position as secretary of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), effective immediately, according to an announcement by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
“Melanie brought national energy expertise to New Mexico, and I’m grateful for her contributions at EMNRD. I wish her well,” said Lujan Grisham.
Erin Taylor, who is currently the deputy cabinet secretary, will step in as Acting Cabinet Secretary of EMNRD.
Kenderdine began her role with the administration in May 2024. Before joining EMNRD, she was a co-founder, principal, and executive vice president at the Energy Futures Initiative, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., that focuses on clean energy transition. Her previous experience also includes senior positions at the U.S. Department of Energy during both the Obama and Clinton administrations.
Taylor has a background in energy planning, environmental regulation, and stakeholder engagement. She has held leadership roles within EMNRD supporting divisions such as the Energy Conservation and Management Division and Mining and Minerals Division. Taylor was appointed deputy cabinet secretary in April.
Before returning to EMNRD, Taylor worked at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs where she managed technical assistance initiatives for governments across all states and territories. She also served as state liaison for the federal Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization.
Taylor’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in economics from Pennsylvania State University, a postgraduate diploma in sustainable rural development from the University of Aberdeen, and a master’s degree in environmental policy and management from the University of Denver.
