Paula began her career with CYFD Juvenile Justice Services in 1994. She has been a public servant in various positions, and is currently a Juvenile Correctional Officer Lead worker. Paula strives to make a positive impact with the “at risk” youth she works with in an Albuquerque juvenile facility. She attended Central New Mexico Community College majoring in Criminal Justice, and received a diploma in Accounting from the International Business College.

Treasurer Laura M. Montoya was sworn into office on January 1, 2023, as the first female state treasurer in New Mexico and the first elected Latina state treasurer in the nation’s history. She was born, raised, and educated in northern New Mexico.

Treasurer Montoya has served New Mexico for more than two decades at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels. She worked as a Constituent Services Representative for U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, held several roles at the New Mexico State Legislature, served under former state treasurer Douglas M. Brown, and assisted with the transition of power to former Treasurer James B. Lewis. Treasurer Montoya was elected to two consecutive terms as Sandoval County Treasurer in 2012 and 2016, which made her the youngest elected county treasurer in the state’s history at that time.

Treasurer Montoya earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology with a minor in sociology and her master’s degree in public affairs from New Mexico Highlands University. In 2003, she earned the prestigious Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship and studied international relations at the University of Costa Rica. Treasurer Montoya has earned certifications as a Certified Treasury Official, Certified Public Official, and Certified Public Manager, accruing over 600 credit hours in finance, investments, treasury, market outlook, and leadership. More recently, she was awarded an Executive Treasury Management certificate from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Treasurer Montoya currently teaches finance and treasury classes to county and city employees, elected officials, and union members.

Treasurer Montoya works tirelessly to address inequities through various State Treasurer’s Office initiatives. She is advocating to make financial fitness a graduation requirement in all New Mexico high schools, implementing the New Mexico State Treasurer’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (NM STABLE) program in alignment with federal law, championing efforts to create New Mexico Baby Bonds legislation, and leading conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies in New Mexico and nationally.

Treasurer Montoya was honored as a Power100 ‘Icon’ for her tireless efforts to drive performance, impact the industry, and contribute to narrowing societal gaps, and was awarded a Cabrera Capital Markets award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to the Latino community; a Public Service Advocacy Award at the 2025 Santa Fe Accessibility Awards; and a Courageous Leadership Award at the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) 18th Annual Leadership Gala. She was unanimously elected to serve as the Western Region Vice President of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) and selected as the first-ever Investments & Pensions Track “Ambassador” at the 2025 National Institute of Public Finance (NIPF).

Treasurer Montoya’s dedication ensures that sound financial policies and practices pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for New Mexico. She manages the state’s $19.6 billion portfolio and serves on 13 boards, councils, and commissions with fiduciary responsibility for state funds exceeding $160 billion.

A dedicated PERA board member since 2019, Shirley has served on various committees. She understands the importance of solvency for the PERA trust and its impact on the futures of its members. She is collaborative, focused on making the best decisions for the plan and its members.

Shirley, a Certified Management Accountant, started at Bernalillo County in 2012 and was appointed to her current position as Deputy County Manager, Finance Division in 2014. She was appointed as the Interim County Manager from July to November 2024. Shirley serves on the County's Investment Committee, the NMCIA Insurance Pool Board, and Treasurer for NM County Reinsurance.

She retired from PNM after thirty-two years of service in various leadership positions in accounting, budget and internal audit. She has a BSBA in Accounting from the University of Albuquerque and a master's in public administration with a certificate in Budgeting and Financial Management from UNM.

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has spent her career as a public official working for greater transparency and ethics in government, fair and efficient elections, and increased voter access.

First elected in 2016, Secretary of State Toulouse Oliver is focused on providing increased transparency in financial disclosure and campaign finance reporting, modernizing the online campaign finance system, encouraging New Mexicans to get registered and vote, and advocating for good government and stronger ethics legislation.

A lifelong New Mexico resident, Secretary of State Toulouse Oliver previously served as Bernalillo County Clerk from 2007 to 2016. She attended Albuquerque Public Schools and earned both her BA and MA in Political Science from the University of New Mexico. Currently living in Santa Fe, the Secretary of State is the proud mother of two sons.

I have been a PERA member since 1986. Retired as Fire Chief of Las Cruces; I have a bachelors degree from NMSU. I have served as State Fire Marshal in South Carolina and managing approximately 350 employees. I also served as Fire Chief in California and Asst. Fire Chief in Clark County Nevada (Las Vegas Strip). I have served on national boards like the International Association of Fire Chief and as President of the International Code Council representing over 60,000 members. My career in public service has provided me with an opportunity to make a positive difference in my communities. My diversified experience and proven and strong visionary leadership skills will allow me to be an immediate active and contributing member of the PERA board. My integrity will allow me to appropriate and fairly represent the needs of our retired members while fulfilling my fiduciary responsibilities to all members.