The head of New Mexico's Regulation and Licensing Department will be stepping down next week.
Gov. Susana Martinez made the announcement Friday, saying J. Dee Dennis will be leaving his post after nearly three years to travel, fly fish and spend more time with his grandchildren.
During his tenure, Dennis helped cut red tape and improved the department's responsiveness to small business owners. The department instituted a system to streamline the review and approval of construction documents, and it required stricter enforcement of state licensing laws, especially those involving the Liquor Control Act.
Dennis will be replaced by Robert "Mike" Unthank, who serves as a deputy secretary in the state General Services Department. Unthank has more than 40 years of experience in government and the private sector.
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