[SatNews] Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico has named Rick Homans to serve as Chairman of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority. Homans will serve as the designee of Economic Development Secretary Fred Mondragon.

“We are reaching a critical point in our efforts to recruit new jobs to New Mexico, and I will be working closely with Secretary Mondragon to pursue some high-profile companies to the state,” Governor Richardson said. “At the same time, we need all the expertise we can get as we complete construction of Spaceport America, and I am tapping Secretary Homans to lead that effort.” Homans, the cabinet secretary for the Department of Taxation & Revenue, worked with Governor Richardson during the creation of Spaceport America and played a key role in recruiting Virgin Galactic as the anchor tenant at the Spaceport. Homans served as the first chairman of the Spaceport Authority from 2005-2007. He will continue in his role as Secretary of the Taxation & Revenue Department.