NMFOG names new exec director

ALBUQUERQUE -- The Board of Directors of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government has named Christine Barber its new executive director.

She will begin her new role Monday, according to a FOG news release.

Her past employment includes work as executive director of two non-profit organizations focused on providing services to marginalized individuals and work as a journalist at the Gallup Independent, the Santa Fe New Mexican and the Albuquerque Journal, the release stated.

She is also a published and award-winning author.

"Transparency and the public's right to know are coming under attack from numerous fronts," FOG board President Jessica Onsurez said in announcing the new hire.

"We are pleased to welcome Christine onboard at this critical time as FOG takes on these challenges."

Barber holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Florida and another in biology from the University of New Mexico.

She has won awards for her news work from the New Mexico Press Association, the Associated Press Managing Editors and New Mexico Press Women.

She will succeed Melanie Majors who is retiring.

As an advocate for transparency in government, FOG's mission is to defend the public's right to know and to educate citizens and government agencies about their rights and responsibilities under New Mexico's open-meetings and open-records laws.

FOG is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, member-supported organization that serves the open government interests of the general public, the business community, elected officials, journalists and lawyers.

For questions or concerns regarding government transparency, contact the Hotline at 1-505-764-3750.