Jennifer Montoya has worked her way up to executive assistant at the County Manager’s Office.
Greg Byrd | El Defensor Chieftain

 

Behind the front desk at the Socorro County Manager’s Office, Executive Assistant Jennifer Montoya works with manager Michael Hawkes. The manager’s office works with the city on a multitude of agendas and issues.

How long have you been in this position?

Just over two years. I had my two year anniversary on November 4.

How has this experience working here been like?

It has been absolutely wonderful. After working for over 8 years at EMRTC it was time for a change. I started off as a receptionist here. After the woman who formerly had this position moved on, I was offered this role in the office.

What was the contrast like changing from EMRTC to where you are now?

The biggest difference is while working in records management at EMRTC it was more about working with employees. Here it is more about working with citizens in the community. I like to work with the public because I am a people person. Not that I didn’t like what I did at EMRTC, but I really like the opportunity of dealing with all different personalities.

Why is it you enjoy working with people?

Helping people is the biggest reward. Working with the public and building relationships, there are a lot of things that come out of that.

What are your daily responsibilities?

That always varies. I assist Mr. Hawkes first. Things like notaries and monthly commission meetings are the most consistent. Other than that my day is full of faxes, e-mails, indigent variables, property exemptions. Similar to you all at the paper, something always comes up.

Do you work a standard 9 to 5 work week?

Normally yes. There are times I have to stay late. When we had the census program in 2020 as well as the vaccine programs during the pandemic, there were a lot of weekends for our office. It varies, but if I’m asked by my boss to work on the weekend then I’m here.

What type of relationship do you have with Mr. Hawkes?

We have a great relationship. Sometimes it gets hectic but somehow it is for the most part a smooth ride. If I make a mistake he always corrects it, and I don’t mind criticism. He helps me to learn from my mistakes. He expects me to do my best all of the time.

What is the best part about working here?

Definitely my team. This group is awesome. We see each other more than we see our own family. Helping each other out and getting things done as a group gives you a sense of comfortability.

What is the worst part of working here?

I don’t really have a worst part. My boss listening or not, I genuinely mean that I love my job. I guess the toughest part is dealing with indigent burials. Deaths involving bodies in which nobody claims that person within 30 days is very sad. People dying alone is very hard to see.

Are you born and raised in Socorro?

Yes, born and raised. My parents Lucinda and David Ware, who are about to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, raised me and my five siblings. My older sister Elizabeth works for Positive Outcomes. There are also my brothers Robert and Adam, and my other sisters April and Ruby. We grew up on the Northside next to Sedillo Park.

Do you have a family yourself?

I do. My former husband and I are separated and I would rather not speak to that. I have two kids, Joelynn and Joey Montoya. Joelynn recently graduated from SHS and is going to school at CNM. My goal for both of my kids is to be appreciative and discover a good future for themselves. Be well and never give up their dreams while also never being something that they are not.

What has been your education experience?

During and after high school I always just worked. Never went to college and I’ve been working since I was 15 at McDonald’s and now I’m 46. I worked for Insurance Mart, then I worked for Wells Fargo before I landed at EMRTC. Life has been a ride for sure, but that lead me here. At this point who knows what could happen next.

What is your favorite movie?

“Dirty Dancing” is the first one that comes to mind. Back in the day, Patrick Swayze was one of my biggest crushes. I used to just love that man.

What is your favorite song?

Well I love listening to Pink, but mostly I’m a country and western girl. I love George Straight so probably his song “Amarillo by Morning.”

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?

I’ve only been to three states in my life physically. But living in a fantasy world, I would probably go with Paris. I want to see the Eiffel Tower one day and everything I see about their culture really interests me. Plus my daughter has always wanted to go there.

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do with the money?

First thing would be to build a huge facility that the homeless could sleep, shower and eat everyday. Help with the various food pantries as well. I try to every time I see a homeless person I try to offer them money or a bite to eat. I was always taught by my parents that if you have, you give. Even it is your worst enemy. Never believe you are better than anybody.

If there was one thing that you could change about Socorro County, what would it be?

In general, I would like to see Socorro clean up our city. Not just the homeless. There are people out there who are lonely or don’t have ways to interact with their neighbors. Rehabilitation is also a big issue as those facilities’ resources here need a lot more support. Also supporting local businesses. We just need as a community to find a way to make Socorro a better place.