Rhonda Faught was appointed Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Transportation in 2003.  To the job, she brought over seventeen years of innovation and experience having previously served as Adjutant Secretary, District Engineer, and Director of the Local Government Assistance program for the NMDOT.

As Secretary, she has transformed the department from a highway organization to a true multimodal Department with emphasis on commuter transportation services including the successful implementation of the state’s first commuter rail system and an extensive Park and Ride program that provides commuter transportation services throughout the state.  In addition, Secretary Faught was instrumental in the development and lobbying for the approval of a $1.6 billion statewide highway infrastructure improvement program through the state legislature.  GRIP – Governor Richardson’s Investment Partnership is legislation that includes vital highway projects in every corner of the state. 

With over 25 years of transportation expertise, Rhonda has earned a solid reputation as an innovator, an unyielding advocate for safety, the environment, and a dedication to improving the quality of life for all New Mexicans through better transportation systems.

Rhonda was honored during the 1995 Legislative session by New Mexico lawmakers who were impressed with her innovative approach in helping local government.  For the same purpose, the City of Las Cruces adopted a day in her honor. 

In 2003, she was honored by being in the U.S. Americans Public Works Association as one of the Top Ten Public Works leaders for that year.  In the same year, she received the Trailblazer Award by the Commission on the Status of Women.

Rhonda currently serves as chairperson for the American Association for Highway and Transportation Official’s Standing Committee on Quality as well as serving as chairperson for the NCHRP 20-24 project. Currently the Vice President of Western State Association of Highway and Transportation Officials and has taken the helm as President of the organization in June 2008.