Mr. Ernest Tafoya is a native of Portales, New Mexico. He graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Personnel Services. Ernest additionally earned a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. In 2005 he completed the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University, JFK School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Ernest began his civilian service career as the Executive Officer for the Deputy Director, Installation Management Command in 2002, followed by assignments as Deputy Garrison Commander, Chief of Staff, and Base Operations Manager in Heidelberg, GE. Ernest was selected to attend the US Army War College, school year 2006-2007. After the Army War College, he was selected as Chief of G1 Plans, Programs, and Manpower for the US Army Forces Command, followed by duties as an Installation Management Command Liaison Officer to the US Army Forces Command.

Ernest was then selected for a special assignment to assist in the Installation Management Command’s Headquarters move from Arlington, Virginia to San Antonio, Texas. He was responsible for the preparation of the temporary site in San Antonio and the reception of personnel. Prior to arriving to Hunter Army Airfield, he was assigned to the Southeast Region, Installation Management Command as a Region Installation Support Team member.

Mr. Tafoya’s awards include the Superior Civilian Award, three Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, and the Order of Saint Barbara for Field Artillerymen.