Former city manager hired at Mesalands

Mesalands Community College on Thursday announced former Tucumcari city manager Mark Martinez was hired as chief campus operations and procurement manager, replacing the recently retired Jim Morgan.

“After years of working in public administration, it’s exciting to return to my alma mater to help the college excel in student success, access and the prudent use of its resources,” Martinez stated in a news release from the college.

Martinez’s hiring came after a national search to replace Morgan, who retired last month after 23 years but was granted chair emeritus status at the college.

Martinez, an area native, graduated from Tucumcari High School.

“We are committed to finding the best talent to serve the college,” Mesalands President Gregg Busch said. “It’s always extra pleasing when that talent comes to us from Tucumcari. We enjoy being able to hire locally.”

Martinez was Tucumcari’s city manager for two years until he told the city commission last spring he wished to revert to his old position as assistant city manager. Martinez continued to serve as interim city manager until Paula Chacon was hired as city manager in August.

Martinez also served briefly as interim city manager in 2018 before the hiring of his predecessor, Britt Lusk.

Among Martinez’s duties are oversight of maintenance of the campus grounds, operation of the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and the college’s mercantile store, purchasing agent, leading the development of capital projects and supervising campus security.