Stephanie Hernandez
Alamogordo,NM
Summary
Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in fostering team collaboration, driving organizational growth, adapting to evolving business needs, and emergency management. Skilled in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Known for strong decision-making abilities and unwavering focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant City Manager
City of Alamogordo
01.2020 - Current
- Supervise, direct operations and strategic initiatives across multiple City departments, including Community Services, City Clerk, Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, Finance, as well as the airport and zoo
- Oversee economic and tourism planning and lead long-term strategic planning to align city resources and development goals
- Ensure effective budget management, policy implementation, and interdepartmental coordination to enhance city operations and services
- Collaborate with the City Manager and department Directors on operational continuity, high service standards, and community engagement
- Represent the City in public forums and on various boards, and serve as interim City Manager and Executive Director of the Public Housing Authority as needed
- Responsible for 100-300+ employees
- Spearheaded Emergency Operations Management for COVID-19, coordinating citywide response efforts and ensuring continuity of essential services
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive salary and compensation plan to attract and retain talent
- Directed the analysis, data gathering, and execution of a utility rate increase, ensuring sustainable financial support for city services
- Led efforts to safeguard Bonito Lake, following the Blue Two Fires, preventing the destruction of 12 years of rehabilitation work
Acting City Manager
City of Alamogordo
04.2023 - 12.2023
- Ensured continuity of city operations and strengthened community engagement during a critical leadership period
- Managed citywide initiatives, collaborated with departments, and maintained public trust through transparent communication and crisis management
- Responsible for 300+ employees
- Led the city through a crisis following the death of an officer, ensuring uninterrupted operations and support for affected departments
- Renegotiated multiple contracts to align with city interests, optimizing financial outcomes and service quality
- Managed departmental restructuring following a workplace tragedy, restoring stability and rebuilding team cohesion
- Developed an airport expansion and development plan to support economic growth and regional connectivity
Finance Director
City of Alamogordo
03.2019 - 01.2020
- Directed financial operations for the City of Alamogordo, providing strategic guidance to maintain and enhance fiscal health
- Oversaw budgeting, investments, cash management, and compliance with governmental accounting standards
- Developed and implemented policies for financial efficiency, risk management, and internal controls
- Acted as Treasurer, prepared financial reports for City leadership, and managed financial aspects of the Public Housing Authority
- Collaborated with City Manager on budget planning, bond issuance, and revenue projections, ensuring alignment with city goals
- Directly supervised approximately 26 employees across Finance, MIS, and Customer Service divisions, and represented the City in public presentations and policy development committees
- Reduced audit findings by working with auditors to identify and resolve policy and control weaknesses
- Balanced the budget by eliminating waste and addressing budget shortfalls left by the previous administration
- Allocated $2.5 million for a government-wide software upgrade to improve services for staff and citizens
Foundation Investment Banking & Endowment Officer/ Assc Dir, Advancement
New Mexico State University Foundation
07.2018 - 03.2019
- Manage financial operations for a university foundation, including oversight of cash control, accounts payable, and receivables
- Prepare financial statements in compliance with GASB and FASB standards, along with monthly operating and balance sheets
- Supervise the accounting endowment system, perform monthly investment reconciliations, and manage the allocation and purchasing of endowment units
- Coordinate wire transfers and reimbursements for payroll and expenditures
- Develop and execute fundraising strategies, cultivating donor relationships to secure financial contributions
- Lead and mentor a team of 30+ employees, overseeing workflows, performance evaluations, and professional development to ensure alignment with organizational goals
Gift Receipting & Demographics Accountant Supervisor
New Mexico State University Foundation
02.2012 - 06.2018
- Supervised 7 employees and oversaw the gift receipting process
- Spearheaded the processing and acknowledgment of various contributions, including pledges, payments, matching claims, memorial gifts, and honor gifts, often involving significant dollar values
- Ensured timeliness and accuracy in gift processing, maintaining up-to-date database links and constituent demographic information
- Collaborated with advancement teams to maintain positive donor relationships and ensured compliance with IRS regulations and organizational policies for charitable contributions
- Monitored data integrity, conducted audits, and generated reports to provide insights on gift trends and donor demographics, supporting donor stewardship and organizational transparency
- Implemented an online portal to facilitate online giving
- Maintain a 2-day turnaround on all gifts processed to stay in compliance with IRS regulations with a less than 3% error rate
- Reduced duplicate constituent Records to maintain data integrity
- Worked on the steering committee for 1st Giving Tuesday allocating 2.5 million dollars to scholarships & various gift accounts
Investment Accountant
New Mexico State University Foundation
10.2008 - 02.2012
- Monitored a $150M portfolio for university foundation investments, overseeing the setup of new securities in the accounting system, trade entries, and the accumulation and distribution of internal net sales for board reports
- Managed the daily valuation process on fund and portfolio accounting systems, ensuring accurate maintenance of security data and mutual fund accounting
- Reconciled investment accounts, general ledger, endowments, checking, and money market accounts, preparing journal entries related to investments and endowments
- Spearheaded financial reporting, including performance analysis and compliance with accounting standards, and prepared litigation paperwork for securities deemed worthless
- Collaborated with portfolio managers and brokers to ensure accurate transaction records, maintained investment integrity, and supported audits with detailed reconciliations and documentation
- Developed procedures and trained staff in the use of the new accounting software
- Provided training for accounting staff members on various topics which included IRS guidelines, donor intent, proper cash handling, gift receipting, and other accounting areas
Budget Analyst
New Mexico State University-Las Cruces
10.2007 - 10.2008
- Developed, analyzed, executed, and monitored state appropriated instruction & general salary accounts; evaluated the relationship between major program changes and the financial status of the organization; ensured there were adequate funds for programs within the organization
- Employed cost-benefit analysis to review financial requests, assess program tradeoffs and explore alternative funding methods
- Provided financial advice to management officials; provided leadership for budget preparation, formulation, presentation, and execution; efficiently allocated limited financial resources
- Approved all staffing authorizations, permission to offer, hiring confirmations for State Appropriated monies
- Prepared operating budget and report of actual expenditures for main campus and branch campuses
- Examined past budgets; estimated future financial needs; evaluated the performance of a program and adjusted funding if necessary
Accountant III
New Mexico State University-Las Cruces
06.2006 - 09.2007
- Reconciled state retirement plans, as well as alternative retirement for qualifying individuals; made payments on behalf of employees and NMSU; prepared or verified a variety of complex accounting, statistical, and narrative statements or reports requiring extensive analysis and interpretation of data
- Established and maintained accounting systems and procedures; made recommendations on the implementation of accounting system revisions to increase efficiency and effectiveness; established and maintained effective accounting controls
- Prepared financial statements, balance sheets, income and expense reports, and cash flow analyses for the Educational Retirement Board
- Oversaw all Educational Retirement Board transactions, as well as other deductions
- Prepared tax, unemployment, & insurance payments to include health, dental, ad&d, LTD, Life, Graduate Health, and Supplemental Life, New Mexico, and various state tax payments
- Prepared garnishment payments on behalf of employees for tax levy’s, child support, loans etc
- For employees and assure proper amounts are paid to entities
- Set up employee deductions
- Created a procedure manual and task listing for all job duties and develop a departmental flowchart
Fiscal Specialist I
New Mexico State University-Las Cruces
04.2004 - 06.2006
- Researched and analyzed complex financial data to resolve errors and ensure accurate reporting in compliance with GAAP and GASB
- Designed and built custom financial reports across multiple systems and synthesized data from various sources to create reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
- Assisted in the formulation of New Mexico State University’s annual budget and ensured departmental adherence to budgetary guidelines
- Conducted complex reconciliations, prepared fiscal and budgetary reports, and reviewed and authorized expenditure requests
- Acted as a liaison between Treasury Services, University Accounting, Financial Reporting, and other departments across five campuses
- Worked with team leaders on the implementation of enterprise software for the department
- Tested & validated data, chart of accounts, and finance portion of the software
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Education, Leadership, and Administration
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM01.2024
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM01.2019
Master of Arts - Economics w/ emphasis in Public Utility Regulation
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM01.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM01.2004
Bachelor of Accountancy -
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM01.2002
Associates of Pre-Business -
New Mexico State University
Alamogordo, NM01.1999
Skills
- Public administration
- Organizational leadership
- Intergovernmental relations
- Relationship building
- Community engagement
- Emergency management
- Budget preparation
- Economic development
- Verbal/written communication
- Strategic planning
- Administrative management
- Community relations
Timeline
Acting City Manager
City of Alamogordo
04.2023 - 12.2023
Assistant City Manager
City of Alamogordo
01.2020 - Current
Finance Director
City of Alamogordo
03.2019 - 01.2020
Foundation Investment Banking & Endowment Officer/ Assc Dir, Advancement
New Mexico State University Foundation
07.2018 - 03.2019
Gift Receipting & Demographics Accountant Supervisor
New Mexico State University Foundation
02.2012 - 06.2018
Investment Accountant
New Mexico State University Foundation
10.2008 - 02.2012
Budget Analyst
New Mexico State University-Las Cruces
10.2007 - 10.2008
Accountant III
New Mexico State University-Las Cruces
06.2006 - 09.2007
Fiscal Specialist I
New Mexico State University-Las Cruces
04.2004 - 06.2006
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
New Mexico State University
Master of Arts - Economics w/ emphasis in Public Utility Regulation
New Mexico State University
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
New Mexico State University
Bachelor of Accountancy -
New Mexico State University
Associates of Pre-Business -
New Mexico State University
Doctor of Philosophy - Education, Leadership, and Administration
New Mexico State University
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