About Gary K.
Gary K — King is a attorney and public servant based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1984. Prior to his legal education, he obtained a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1980 and a Bachelor of Science from New Mexico State University in 1976. These academic credentials laid the foundation for his multifaceted career in law and public service. After completing his law degree, King co-founded the law firm King and Stanley in Moriarty, New Mexico, in 1984. His legal practice was diverse, encompassing various areas of law.
In 1990, he transitioned to serve as Corporate General Counsel and Senior Environmental Scientist for Advanced Sciences, Inc., an environmental consulting firm. This role allowed him to apply his scientific background to legal challenges in the environmental sector. In 1998, King took on a significant role at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in Washington, D.C., as Policy Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management. He also served as Director of the Office of Worker and Community Transition. During his tenure, he developed programs to enhance cooperation among federal, state, local, and Native American governments, focusing on environmental cleanup activities. Additionally, he led initiatives to support Cold War workers who suffered health issues related to their service.
King's political career includes serving as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1986 to 1998, representing District 50. As Chairman of the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee, he championed legislation on healthcare, environmental protection, and civil rights. Notably, he was instrumental in enacting the New Mexico Mining Act and the New Mexico Solid Waste Act. In 2006, he was elected as the 30th Attorney General of New Mexico, a position he held until 2015. During his tenure, he was recognized for his strong advocacy in consumer protection and environmental issues. Beyond his professional roles, King has been deeply involved in community service. He has served as President of his Rotary Club and Chair of the Manzano District of the Boy Scouts of America.
He also chaired the Legal Services Committee of the New Mexico State Bar Association and served as a Domestic Violence Special Commissioner and guardian ad litem for abused and neglected children in the Seventh Judicial District. His commitment to public service reflects his dedication to improving the legal and social fabric of New Mexico. King's experience in both the public and private sectors, combined with his strong educational background, gave him a unique perspective on legal and policy issues. His contributions to New Mexico's legal field and his active participation in community affairs underscore his commitment to public service and the advancement of justice in the state.
