Maria Lugo-Mee
Maria Lugo-Mee is a public sector procurement and contracts management professional with nearly a decade of experience leading procurement operations, compliance initiatives, and organizational process improvements across multiple New Mexico state agencies. Currently serving as Contracts Manager for the State of New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and transitioning into the role of Chief Procurement Officer, she specializes in public-sector procurement, federal and state compliance, operational restructuring, and procurement systems modernization. Her work focuses on building transparent, efficient, and audit-ready processes that strengthen government operations and improve service delivery for agencies and the communities they serve.
Throughout her career, Lugo-Mee has built a reputation for streamlining workflows, strengthening procurement accountability, and implementing practical solutions that improve organizational efficiency. She began her journey in state government as an operations specialist after overcoming significant personal health challenges, learning procurement from the ground up through hands-on experience in invoicing, purchasing, contract administration, and workflow management. Over the years, she advanced through leadership roles within the New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue, State of New Mexico Department of Military Affairs, and other public agencies, where she led procurement restructuring efforts, improved tracking systems, and managed complex procurement activities governed by both state and federal regulations. Known for her efficiency-focused leadership style, she is committed to simplifying processes, modernizing systems, and creating collaborative environments that support long-term operational success.
In addition to her professional leadership, Lugo-Mee is deeply committed to inclusion, ethical leadership, and community involvement. She is pursuing a master’s degree while continuing to expand her expertise in procurement strategy, compliance, and organizational leadership. Beyond her career, she actively supports community and advocacy initiatives through organizations such as the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance and her volunteer work with Almost Home New Mexico, where she served as a foster and adoption adviser for rescued animals. Guided by values of integrity, fairness, inclusion, and respect, Lugo-Mee continues to advocate for modernization, equity, and meaningful change within public-sector operations and leadership.
• Chief Procurement Officer Certification
• Construction Management Certification
• Notary for the State of New Mexico
• The University of Arizona Global Campus — Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
• The University of Arizona Global Campus — Master’s Degree in Psychology (In Progress)
• Women in Leadership Profile Recognition
• Women in Leadership Advisor Recognition
• Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance
• Women in Leadership Advisory Board — University of Tennessee
• Foster and Adoption Adviser, Almost Home New Mexico
• Supporter and participant in Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance initiatives
• Advocate for inclusion, equity, and LGBTQ+ community support
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, resilience, and an unwillingness to give up when faced with challenges. I believe in finding solutions rather than passing problems on to someone else, and I approach obstacles with determination and accountability. My family foundation also played a major role in shaping my work ethic and mindset. I was raised around people who persevered through difficult circumstances, and that taught me the importance of continuing to move forward, learning through challenges, and returning stronger every time.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to “just get in.” During a difficult time in my life when health issues made me uncertain about my future, a friend encouraged me to apply for a state position and reassured me that accommodations and solutions could be figured out along the way. That advice changed the trajectory of my career because it reminded me that opportunities often begin by simply taking the first step and trusting that growth and solutions will follow.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this field to be persistent, advocate for themselves, and never accept “no” as the final answer. Confidence and self-advocacy are critical because no one will represent your abilities and ambitions better than you can. I also believe life experience matters just as much as technical skills. Professional knowledge can be taught, but character, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience are what truly shape strong leaders and successful professionals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in procurement and government operations continues to be pay inequity and navigating leadership environments that are still largely male-dominated. Equal contributions are not always matched with equal recognition or compensation, and that remains an ongoing issue within the profession. At the same time, there is a major opportunity to modernize procurement systems and streamline outdated processes through technology, workflow optimization, and better operational infrastructure. Organizations that embrace modernization and efficiency improvements will be better positioned for long-term success and accountability.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Inclusion, integrity, ethics, equity, fairness, and respect are the values that guide both my professional and personal life. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with honesty, dignity, and consistency regardless of background or position. I also value accountability and transparency because they create trust within organizations and communities. These principles influence how I lead teams, approach procurement decisions, and build relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and the people I serve.
Locations
State of New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission
Bataan Memorial Building, 407 Galisteo Street, Suite #101, Santa Fe, NM 87501
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