Josina Martinez, administrative officer for National Trails Intermountain Region, will retire on December 29th after more than 37 years of federal service.

Josina began her federal career in 1975 with the New Mexico Army National Guard, where she held various positions. She also worked for the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Attorney before accepting a position as trails assistant with the Long Distance Trails Office of the National Park Service in 1999.

At that time, the trails office was responsible for the administration of two national historic trails, the Santa Fe Trail and the Trail of Tears. Eventually, the office grew into the National Trails Intermountain Region with responsibility for nine national historic trails and the Route 66 corridor preservation program. Due to increased responsibility, Josina was promoted to budget analyst, and, when the Santa Fe office was combined with the Salt Lake City office, she was promoted to the position of administrative officer.

Although Josina takes great pride in all her federal service, the years spent with the National Guard and the National Park Service hold special significance. Being the daughter of a WWII veteran and serving side-by-side with the men and women of the Army and Air National Guard was an honor that she will treasure forever. And spending the last 14 years working for the National Park Service has been an amazing journey.

“I feel great pride when I drive up to the entrance of a National Park, see the arrowhead, and know that I have been privileged to be a part of an organization tasked with protecting America’s treasures,” she says.

A native of Santa Fe and a lifelong resident, Josina plans to remain in Santa Fe and continue her volunteer work with several local organizations. She also plans to spend time exploring our national parks with her family, especially her two grandsons who inspired her to hike the Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon.