By KRWG News
Las Cruces – New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Secretary Rick Homans is returning to his former role as chairman of the Spaceport Authority.
Homans, who served as the first spaceport chairman from 2005-07, will continue overseeing the Taxation & Revenue Department. Gov. Bill Richardson said Friday that Homans helped recruit Virgin Galactic as the spaceport's anchor tenant.
Steve Landeene quit as spaceport executive director last week. His resignation takes effect May 15.
The Spaceport Authority board formally accepted Landeene's letter of resignation Wednesday after a 30-minute executive session to discuss personnel matters.
Board members will meet again within 10 days to discuss a successor. A spokesman for the Economic Development Department says a search is continuing.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.