Recently retired Bernalillo County Manager Julie Morgas Baca has a new job.
She will start Tuesday as executive director of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta — about a month before the annual event kicks off.
“Leading the Fiesta is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Morgas Baca said. “I am honored and delighted to begin this new journey with such an influential board and accomplished team who are instrumental to the success of Fiesta.”
The Balloon Fiesta is a non-profit organization, spokesperson Tom Garrity said, declining to discuss the terms of Morgas Baca’s employment contract and salary. He said the job description is being crafted.
Morgas Baca made $215,000 her final year as county manager.
Morgas Baca was chosen after a nationwide search to replace Paul Smith, who had been with the organization for 27 years and announced his retirement last year, according to a news release.
“We are so pleased to welcome Jule Morgas Baca,” said Judy Nakamura, president of the board of directors. “Her leadership track record, her impressive background (and) her contacts in community and government, make her the right choice for AIBF.”
Los Angeles executive search firm Berkhemer Clayton helped with the search. The release touted Morgas Baca’s experience, which includes CEO of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation and fiscal services director with the Second Judicial District Court.
Morgas Baca was county manager from 2015 until the end of June. Previously, she was deputy county manager for community services.
The 52nd Balloon Fiesta will run from Oct. 5-13, at Balloon Fiesta Park. The event includes 550 balloons and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and balloonists annually.