Vanessa Ordoñez is a U.S. Navy combat veteran with more than two decades of military and public safety experience. Raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, she is a proud first-generation American.

Vanessa most recently served as Chief of Police for the City of Anthony, New Mexico. Known for her strategic leadership and dedication to strong community partnerships, she helped guide the department to statewide distinction when Anthony was ranked the #1 safest city to live in New Mexico in (2025).

During her military service, Vanessa deployed aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in support of 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 deployed 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.