Sirah Masters has a whole new way of seeing San Luis Valley Regional Airport. As the airport manager, Masters is initiating a series of community events that she hopes will help residents feel a connection to the Valley’s airport beyond its daily flights.
“We are prioritizing bringing people from the community to the airport,” says Masters. She took over as airport manager in September 2025 and has focused on community outreach to help build awareness.
The first of the events is a collaboration with the Adams State Visual Arts Department that will have students displaying works of art around the airport terminal. The exhibition “Art at Altitude” will open with a public reception on Tuesday, March 24.
“Our students pour their hearts into their work and bringing that work into the community is exactly what art should do. ‘Art at Altitude’ gives our students a real-world stage and invites the entire San Luis Valley to experience the creativity happening right here at Adams State. We couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve created,” says Annaliesa Connor-Meissner, M.F.A., visual art department chair at Adams State.
Masters has also arranged an Aviation Day on April 17 that will have local students exploring the world of aviation. Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley is the community partner for the event and its members will experience air flights and a story-telling event through aviation day.
“Sirah is the mastermind at this and we are tickled to offer something like this,” says Alamosa County Manager Roni Wisdom.
The Alamosa County Board of Commissioners, which oversees the regional airport, signed off this week on another of Masters’ initiatives. Consulting firm Bolton & Menk will help Masters conduct an analysis of the development potential around SLV Regional Airport. The consultant’s work will look at ways for Alamosa County to grow its annual airport revenue and reduce its operational costs.
Masters was hired as compliance specialist for SLV Regional Airport in June 2024. Now the airport manager, she is wasting little time in refreshing the community’s mind around the airport.
A public reception for the “Art at Altitude” opening will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.
“The San Luis Valley Regional Airport is more than a transportation hub – it’s a gateway to our community and a reflection of who we are,” says Masters. “Welcoming Adams State student artists into this space allows us to celebrate local creativity with every traveler and visitor who walks through our doors. We’re honored to be a part of this.”