by Katy Knapp
Daily Lobo
Billy Sparks, former chief of staff for communications for Gov. Bill Richardson, might be taking an executive position at UNM.
The position Sparks is discussing with UNM is a new one - executive director of communication and marketing of the Health Sciences Center, said Pug Burge, assistant dean for administration at the School of Medicine.
Sam Giammo, director of public affairs at the Health Sciences Center, said he had not seen the job description for the position, but if hired, Sparks would be above Giammo in the chain of command.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Sparks said he is in discussions with the Health Sciences Center, but would not give any further information until talks progress.
Burge said no employment contract has been written, but does not anticipate any problems in the hiring process.
Details of salary amount or when discussions would be finalized were not available.
Today is Sparks' last day in the governor's office. He announced his resignation Jan. 24.
A news release stated Sparks was leaving the position to pursue other opportunities, but gave no details.
"It is a decision I have thought about for some time, and the right one for me at this moment," Sparks said in the statement.
Sparks, who worked at the Roundhouse for seven years, said he is taking a leave of absence for a few weeks.
