Martinez, CA – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors announced the appointment of Greg Baer as Director of Airports. In this role, Mr. Baer will manage and operate Buchanan Field and Byron Airports. He will also plan for the development of future airport facilities, developing and managing a capital improvement and maintenance program. He will begin his position on May 2, 2022.
Buchanan Field Airport is located in Supervisorial District 4 represented by Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “Buchanan and Byron Airports are the epicenter of aviation innovation in the Bay Area and Mr. Baer’s wealth of experience will bring forth many more exciting partnerships,” said Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and Vice-Chair of the County’s Aviation Committee.
Byron Airport is located in Supervisorial District 3 represented by Supervisor Diane Burgis. “I’m excited to welcome Greg to our team, and I know he’s excited to work with us on continuing to expand the use of emerging aviation technologies at the Byron Airport and Buchanan Field. We have so much opportunity to create well-paying jobs locally thanks to our proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, and I know Greg will help us continue to take advantage of our location and facilities,” said Supervisor Diane Burgis, Chair of the County’s Airport Committee.
“Contra Costa County, our Public Works Department and our two airports are pleased and excited to welcome Greg Baer as our new Director of Airports,” said Brian M. Balbas, Contra Costa County Public Works Director. “We welcome Greg to our County family and anticipate he will continue the incredible work being done at our airports and provide the leadership to bring the airports to new heights in the years to come.”
Bringing over 20 years of public works experience, including five years in airport management, Mr. Baer most recently was the Airport Manager for Napa County Airport in California. While there, he supervised and directed $18 million in capital improvement projects. He also served as Assistant Airport Manager for the airport. Previously, he worked for the City of American Canyon, Public Works Department and United Airlines.
“I am honored and excited to join the Contra Costa County Airports team,” said Mr. Baer. “I am thrilled to be part of an organization that embraces emerging technology and innovation. As a long-time Bay area resident and private pilot, I look forward to working together with Contra Costa County’s residents and airport users to continue the great trajectory of Buchanan Field and Byron Airport.”
Mr. Baer earned his bachelor’s degree in Aviation from San José State College of Engineering and went on to receive his master’s degree in Public Administration from Sonoma State University. In 2018, he received the Herman C. Bliss Partnership Award from the FAA Western Pacific Region. He is also a licensed private pilot.
About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:
Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sand Bag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord and Byron
