DCA Welcomes New Legislative Liaison

November 25th, 2019

(Santa Fe, New Mexico) - The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is pleased to welcome Michaelene M. Kyrala as the department’s newest Legislative Liaison. Michaelene comes to DCA with a wealth of experience in government and legislative relations. 

Michaelene was born and raised in Los Alamos, N.M. She went on to study in Beirut, Lebanon, where she received her bachelor’s degree in political science with a dual concentration in international and comparative politics. While studying abroad, she lived with her grandmother and uncle and listened to stories they and other villagers told about the country and its history. Michaelene experienced a country struggling to preserve ancient sites while also developing infrastructure and a modern economy. It was an important and intimate way to learn about Michaelene’s heritage and understand the dynamics in the region. It instilled the importance that sites, stories, and history are protected and represented for present and future generations to learn from and enjoy.

“As Legislative Liaison for DCA I have an opportunity to be part of an organization protecting and promoting New Mexico’s cultural diversity, history, creative sector, and their economic contributions to the state," said Kyrala. 

Michaelene has worked for the past three State Senate President Pro-Tempores as their Leadership Analyst and most recently served as the Policy Director for the New Mexico State Environment Department. Michaelene also has a master’s degree in international business which she earned while working as a Marketing Specialist at a Fortune 500 Leadership Development consulting firm. She then transitioned to an Associate Consultant position at a start-up firm focusing on executive leadership development. In 2014, Michaelene returned to her native New Mexico and ran an independent consulting firm focusing on policy and research.   

"I am fortunate to have such meaningful work be part of my life, and I look forward to using my experience with the legislative and executive branches to achieve successes for DCA," said Kyrala. 

Michaelene joined the DCA Executive Team in November 2019.