This post expresses the views and opinions of the author(s) and not necessarily that of 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News management or staff.

I feel inclined to say something following the Commission’s recent 3–4 vote regarding my appointment as permanent City Manager. First, thank you to everyone who has reached out to check on me and my family, it means more than I can adequately express.

I know there has been a great deal of information circulating, and I wanted to provide clarity. First and foremost, I am fine. I am at peace with the decision that was made. While I am disappointed, because I truly loved this job and, more importantly, the people I had the privilege to work alongside, they needed to make a decision, get me a contract so I can hire an assistant city manager, or don’t, should they not see a path forward with me.

For context, I was first appointed as Acting City Manager in April 2023. Although Rick Holden held the title of City Manager from November 2023 through September 2024, we remained in a transitional phase, and I continued to carry many of the City Manager responsibilities to ensure stability and not wanting to overwhelm Rick(city management in Texas is very different than city management in Alamogordo). As of today, May 2026, I have effectively served in this capacity for nearly three years, including 21 consecutive months in the acting role, while also maintaining my Assistant City Manager duties.

During that time, my role was never to agree with every decision made by the governing body, but to respect the decision and make it happen. This is no different.

What I can say with absolute confidence is that I am proud of the progress the City has made, especially over the past 21 months. We completed 11 major projects, have approximately 20 more in various stages of progress, and another eight ready to move forward. That level of momentum is huge for Alamogordo.

We also made meaningful progress in organizational culture, ensuring that policies and ordinances are applied fairly and consistently. Our responsibility as City staff is to uphold the laws, not break them. I am proud of the standard we set.

I had the honor of leading this organization through some of its most challenging moments, including major crises like fires and community losses such as the death of two employees. We celebrated some of its greatest accomplishments, Altus awards, the F-4 monument, downtown revitalization efforts, the new natatorium, public safety, major infrastructure improvements, flood mitigation initiatives, and more.

However, my greatest accomplishment is not a project but my staff. Building an executive leadership team of 11 exceptional directors, and working alongside employees across 37 departments who rose to every challenge, is what I am MOST proud of. I know I asked a lot, but our employees stepped up, not for me, but for Alamogordo.

The support shown by both employees and the community over the past two months has been humbling. It reinforces that the work mattered and that we were moving in the right direction, working to create a more consistent and level playing field for everyone.

At the end of the day, I needed the Commission to make a decision, and I cannot fault them for doing so. After 21 months of serving in two demanding roles, often seven days a week, I was running on fumes. The expectation to continue without a contract was unrealistic, and lack of consideration for not just me working two roles, but for my family’s sacrifices, was impacting my family in ways that could not be ignored. A resolution was necessary.

I will leave this position with peace and pride. I wish the outcome was different, because I will say it loud, I LOVED MY JOB. But I believe in my heart and soul this was God’s plan. The opportunity to serve my hometown was an honor. God has my next chapter already written, and I patiently wait for His direction.

Again, thank you everyone for reaching out and making a difference in my life. Words are powerful, and you touched my heart. – Dr Stephanie Hernandez, Acting City Manager,  City of Alamogordo