SF airport’s Mark Baca promoted to manager

Appointment by city caps his 25-year career

SANTA FE — Mark Baca started his career as an airport maintenance worker. Now he’s in charge of the Santa Fe Regional Airport.

City government announced Wednesday that Baca, who had been serving as the airport’s operations manager, has been named airport manager by City Manager Erik Litzenberg.

“We’ve relied heavily on Mark in his role as operations manager to keep the airport running smoothly and successfully — and as we answer big questions about the airport’s future growth, I’m excited to work with him in the manager role,” Litzenberg said in a news release.

Litzenberg said Baca, who started working for the city in 1990 and at the airport in 1993, has proven himself to be a talented and capable employee during his 25-year career at the airport.

He said Baca has been involved in almost every airport function, including maintaining runways and facilities, improving terminal buildings, and ensuring the airport was in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration regulations.

Baca also is credited with playing an integral role in the design and construction of recent airport upgrades and planning for future improvements. He has led staff trainings, helped develop operating budgets and served in managerial roles.

“What impresses me about Mark is his passion for improving the airport’s facilities and the customer experience for everyone — Santa Fean and visitor alike — traveling through it,” Mayor Alan Webber said.

Baca is a Pojoaque High School graduate “born and raised” in Santa Fe. He is married and has three children.

“As manager I’ll be able to continue my focus on serving our customers well and providing the most userfriendly airport in the most userfriendly city in the country,” Baca said.