INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM March 26, 2026
TO: Klarissa J. Peña, President, City Council
FROM: Timothy M. Keller, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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Appointment of Raul Bujanda to the position of Executive Director of Public Safety
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Pursuant to Section 4(d) of Article 5 of the City Charter, I am submitting for Council’s advice and consent the appointment of Raul Bujanda for the position of Executive Director of Public Safety. The position of Executive Director of Public Safety will report directly to the Chief Administrative Officer and will oversee and coordinate public safety across the Albuquerque Community Safety Department, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, and the Albuquerque Police Department.
Mr. Raul Bujanda is the Vice President of Security and Investigations at Viamericas, where he leads efforts to protect financial services that empower immigrant communities. He recently retired from the FBI after 22 years of distinguished service, having last served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Albuquerque Field Office, overseeing all Bureau operations in New Mexico.
Throughout his FBI career, Mr. Bujanda held a wide range of leadership roles, including Section Chief of the National Covert Operations Section and Assistant Special Agent in Charge in multiple divisions. He led major investigations targeting violent crime, drug trafficking organizations, and public corruption-most notably securing a RICO indictment against senior members of the Sinaloa Cartel, including Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
Earlier in his career, he supervised joint task forces, managed national security and criminal operations, and played a key role in expanding real-time law enforcement information-sharing platforms. Before joining the FBI, Mr. Bujanda served as a Special Agent with the Immigration and Naturalization Service and began his professional journey as a fifth-grade teacher.
Mr. Bujanda brings a unique blend of operational experience, leadership, and public service to every stage and continues to advocate for community safety and opportunity.
I respectfully ask for your support in appointing this highly qualified and accomplished professional to the position of Executive Director of Public Safety.