Mayor Tim Keller Appoints Nyika Allen as Director of Aviation
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Today, Mayor Tim Keller announced the appointment of Nyika Allen to lead the City of Albuquerque’s Aviation Department. Ms. Allen will be the first millennial to lead a city department, and is the first woman to serve as Director of the Department of Aviation. She comes to the City from the New Mexico Technology Council (NMTC) where she served as President and CEO. Ms. Allen grew NMTC membership by 250%, increased organizational revenue by 300% and managed a 30-person board of directors comprised of top executives from New Mexico organizations.
“Nyika brings her experience and a new perspective to shape the Aviation Department into an intermodal economic development engine for the City,” stated Mayor Tim Keller. “She joins us as our first executive from a new generation of leaders for Albuquerque. We will work together to create opportunities for residents, travelers, and businesses based near and far.”
Acting Director Jim Hinde has also been named to stay on to head the day-to-day operations of the Albuquerque International Sunport. The Aviation Department includes the Sunport, the new business park and Double Eagle Airport.
Nyika Allen, Director of Aviation
Ms. Nyika Allen most recently was President & CEO of the New Mexico Technology Council (NMTC) - the State’s only business association for the technology industry. She is passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, women's issues and the economic health of New Mexico. Along with her position at the NMTC, she is the ‘Tech Expert’ on Fox New Mexico, Chair of the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry’s Entrepreneurship and Technology Committee, Chair of the TechHire NM business advisory council and a 2015 TEDxABQ main event speaker.
Ms. Allen holds a BBA in International Management from the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico and the UNM Honors Program. She graduated magna cum laude with both university and scholastic achievement honors and a special international designation. She has worked, studied and traveled in over 19 different countries. She currently serves as a board and advisory council member for multiple organizations such as: the Small Business Assistance Program (managed jointly by Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories), New Mexico EPSCoR, UNM Anderson Alumni Council, UNM Economic Development Forum, Albuquerque Economic Development, Kirtland Airforce Base Honorary Commander, the Mid-Region Council of Governments - Workforce Connections of Central NM and was recognized as an Albuquerque Business First 2016 Women of Influence honoree, a 40 Under 40 honoree and the most influential 40 under 40 for the class of 2016.