DENVER – Elias (Lee) Baiza, a 31-year veteran of the National Park Service (NPS) has been named superintendent of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, according to Intermountain Regional Director Michael D. Snyder. Baiza will assume his new responsibilities effective May 13.
“I am excited for the opportunity to join the staff at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument as we continue to address operational issues and resource threats,” said Baiza. “I’m looking forward to working with partners, congressional delegation and local constituents on border security issues and the continued conservation and preservation of this unique International Biosphere Preserve.”
Baiza is currently serving as the superintendent at Petrified Forest National Park. A native of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Baiza began his career with the NPS in 1976 at Carlsbad Caverns National Park where he worked in maintenance operations for 10 years. Other positions held by Baiza during his tenure with the NPS includeroads andtrails foreman at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and facility manager at Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park.
“Lee’s prior experience as superintendent of Petrified Forest National Park and Tonto National Monument make him uniquely qualified for this position,” said Snyder. “His knowledge and perspective of ongoing issues at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument will enable him to take a leadership role and work with NPS management in providing solutions to border security and other NPS interests at the local, state, regional and international levels.”
Prior to his employment with the NPS, Baiza served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University. Lee and his wife, Teri, have three children, Monica Fe, Sergio and Gabriel. All three currently reside in Tempe, Arizona.
As superintendent at Organ Pipe Cactus, Baiza will manage 330,688 acres, a staff of approximately 40, and an annual operating budget of more than $3,371,000.
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