ABQ Times

The City of Albuquerque has appointed individuals to key positions within the Department of Municipal Development and the Gateway Health Hub to ensure the continuation of large projects. Jennifer Turner has been named Director of Municipal Development, Jennifer McDonald will serve as Operations Officer for the Gateway Health Hub, and Shawn Maden will take on the role of Capital Implementation Program Officer.

“Each of these roles is critical to making sure large projects stay on track to meet the needs of our families,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re grateful for the experience that each of these folks brings, both from within and outside of the City, and look forward to keeping our city moving forward.”

Jennifer Turner has been appointed as Director of the Department of Municipal Development. The department's crews engineer, build, and maintain Albuquerque’s roads and storm drains, as well as design and construct city facilities such as community centers, libraries, and public safety buildings. Previously serving as Deputy Director in charge of vertical construction and parking, Turner joined the City in 2020 as General Counsel for the department before her promotion.

Turner brings 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors. Before joining Albuquerque’s municipal team, she worked at the United States Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., managing attorneys and advising on issues related to tribal economic development among other areas. She also served as a Senior Associate at a boutique law firm in Albuquerque.

Turner holds a B.A. in political science from Vassar College, a J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law, and an L.L.M. from Brunel University in London. In her free time, she enjoys running half marathons, attending live music events, and exploring New Mexico with her family.

Jennifer McDonald takes on the role of Operations Officer for the Gateway Health Hub. A native New Mexican dedicated to community service through leadership, McDonald began her career as a newspaper reporter before transitioning into roles that combine storytelling with strategic partnerships for large projects.

Before joining Albuquerque's municipal team, McDonald was senior director at Central New Mexico Community College where she helped establish College and Career High School in collaboration with Albuquerque Public Schools. She also contributed to developing Rio Technical Education Career Hub aimed at vocational training.

McDonald earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Brigham Young University and an executive MBA from the University of New Mexico.

Shawn Maden has been promoted to Capital Implementation Program (CIP) Official. He will oversee Albuquerque’s CIP by managing approved capital expenditures for various infrastructure projects.

Maden has had a long tenure with the city starting as a lifeguard before working as a paramedic and later joining Parks and Recreation’s Aquatics department. Since 2020 he has served as CIP Strategic Program Manager within DMD.

In his personal time away from work duties, Maden enjoys activities like hiking, biking, playing board games, solving logic puzzles, and spending time with his dogs Clovis and Daisy.