Vanessa Ordoñez is a U.S. Navy combat veteran with more than two decades of military and public safety experience. The former Anthony, NM Police Chief was raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is a proud first-generation American.

Her strategic leadership and dedication to community partnerships helped her guide the department to distinction when Anthony was ranked the #1 safest city to live in New Mexico in 2025.

In the Navy, Vanessa deployed aboard the USS Harry S. Truman supporting the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Iraqi Freedom. A Navy Reservist Master-at-Arms Petty Officer First Class (EXW) and embarked security team member, she also supported international community relations efforts in Ghana and Equatorial Guinea while aboard the USNS Trenton in 2022.

A proud wife and mother, Vanessa is deeply committed to advocating for disabled veterans, supporting military families, and ensuring those who have served receive the respect and resources they deserve.