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Former Air Force Colonel Jeff Marker
named new Aeronautics Administrator

Jeff Marker continues his rapid ascent at ITD, rising to become the new administrator at the Division of Aeronautics effective Sept. 23. He previously spent 10 months as the Public Transportation Manager, after being manager of the department's Freight office for three years prior. An immediate search will begin for a new Public Transportation Manager.

Marker was born and raised in Idaho, reared among the state’s unrivaled recreational opportunities. When Jeff was 14, his father started building an airplane — spending the next seven years crafting an aircraft that won Best in Class at a national competition in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

"I grew up around aviation, flying into Idaho’s airfields, whether into McCall for breakfast or flying into backcountry airfields to go fishing," Marker recalled.

The Division of Aeronautics reports to Chief Deputy Scott Stokes, who is excited about the Idaho aviation knowledge and the history as a pilot Marker brings to his new role.

“Jeff’s background includes leadership, teamwork, aviation education and so many other essential attributes that will help to guide Aeronautics in Idaho. Aeronautics will play an increasing role in the economic strength of Idaho in the future. We are a very unique state and aviation is critical to Idaho achieving our potential.

“Jeff has a remarkable talent for uniting teams toward a common vision," Stokes said. ”He has a proven track record at ITD in leading new and innovative programs and always keeping in mind the importance of the customer and user of the transportation system.”

In his early 20s, Marker worked three jobs to pay for his pilot’s license, and during college he enlisted in the Idaho Air National Guard. After graduation, he joined the active duty Air Force and became a Weapon Systems Officer for a variety of aircraft. During his time on active duty, Marker was a squadron commander at Mt. Home Air Force Base, responsibility for the airspace in southern Idaho. Before joining ITD, he retired as a Colonel, with his final assignment being the Air and Space Operations Center Commander in Germany, with responsibility for U.S. military air operations over Europe and Africa.

"I am extremely excited to join the Aeronautics team," Marker said. "They are an incredible group, focused on making aviation in Idaho safer while ensuring access to Idaho communities and natural resources. My goal will be to continue to develop that effort."