Michael Perry
Michael Perry is head of the Field Operations Division within the State Land Office, which is comprised of several bureaus that promote sustainability on State Trust Lands while optimizing revenues for the agency’s beneficiaries. The division manages complex and dynamic programs that focus on watershed health, biological and cultural resources, site remediation, illegal dumping and investigations and compliance. In addition, the division also includes the Agricultural Leasing Bureau, which is responsible for the management of over 3,500 active agricultural leases.
Perry joins the Land Office team after twenty-one years with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). Perry held many positions at the NMDGF, most recently serving as Major for Southern Field Operations. His other roles at NMDGF have included serving as District Officer for Hobbs, Roswell and Carlsbad; Sergeant (District Supervisor) for the Roswell, Clovis, Capitan and Santa Rosa Districts; and Assistant Area Chief of the Southeast Area.
Through his work with NMDGF, Perry has worked closely with the Land Office on hunting unitizations, increased access opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen, and multiple rights-of-way/easement agreements.
Perry was raised in Southeastern New Mexico and graduated from Roswell High School in 1990. He attended New Mexico State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. Perry and his wife of twenty-one years, Kim, have one son together – Colton – who is beginning his junior year this fall at the University of New Mexico.
Dana Strang, Director of the Field Operations Division
Dana has served as the Assistant Division Director over the southeast part of New Mexico since January 2014 and served in several State Land Office positions between 2001 and 2008.
Strang has over a decade of experience managing staff in a variety of natural resource and educational experiences both at the State Land Office and beyond, including Audubon New Mexico. “It is a privilege to work for the New Mexico State Land Office and I am very appreciative of the opportunity to lead the Field Operations Division and work with Commissioner Dunn. The staff of the Field Operations Division works very hard for the beneficiaries, and as Director, I look forward to building on the successes of this amazing team,” said Strang.
Dana grew up on a ranch in Glenwood, NM and graduated from the University of New Mexico. She enjoys mountain biking and rock climbing. She is an avid bird watcher and can recognize many Santa Fe resident birds. She loves camping with her family, husband Ed and son Nate.
