LIFETIME LEADERSHIP AWARD

Julie Morgas Baca

Julie Morgas Baca, retired as the County Manager for Bernalillo County in June 2024.  She served as County Manager for 9 years and was the first female county manager in Bernalillo County history overseeing 2600 employees with over a $1 billion annual budget.  Her hallmark was her ability to establish and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with both public and private sectors as well as the community, including non-profits, while making remarkable accomplishments as a public official. 

Building and maintaining a great relationship with the business community through the County’s economic development department was one off her main priorities.  She spearheaded the development of the new Bernalillo County @ Alvarado Square County building overseeing the acquisition and renovation of the 300,000 square building for the county’s administrative headquarters to house over 1,000 employees.  In the process she created a one-stop-shop, customer friendly location for constituents and businesses assisting from permitting through project completion while providing health and recreation amenities for staff.

Julie’s previous employment demonstrates her lifelong dedication and commitment to public service and fiscal integrity.  She served as the fiscal director of the Second Judicial District Court, overseeing a $40 million-dollar operating budget, and then as deputy county manager for Bernalillo County in charge of the community services division.

Julie was recruited by the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation Board to serve as President and CEO.  She Julie was recruited by the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation Board to serve as President and CEO.  She proudly accepted the position and successfully advanced the Foundation and maintained its reputation and integrity.

She is a seasoned government executive with an administrative background which includes a wealth of experience in public administration, public finance and budgeting, legislative relations, media relations, government employee/employer relations, intergovernmental/community relations, and business community relations. Her leadership qualities, record of accomplishment, and contributions are extraordinary. She has moved in many circles, building lasting relationships and trust. 

 Selected through an intense nationwide search process, Julie Morgas Baca assumed leadership as the Executive Director for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on September 3, 2024.

Raised in El Paso, Texas, Julie is a proud Hispanic woman with deep love for and dedication to her family, friends and her community. In addition to full time employment in the Albuquerque, Bernalillo County area for 35 years, raising a daughter, Celina who has become a practicing attorney and caring for her mother, Connie who currently resides with Julie and her husband Ted Baca, former chief judge of the Second Judicial District Court.

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