La Plata County commissioners on Wednesday officially named Shawna Legarza as interim county manager, about two weeks after she was announced as the sole finalist for the job.
She will begin the role on Friday.
Legarza has served as the county’s director of emergency management for the past five years. Before that, she spent roughly 30 years with the U.S. Forest Service. In 2002, she became the first superintendent of the San Juan Interagency Hotshots, and later retired as the Forest Service’s national director of Fire and Aviation Management in Washington, D.C.
In that role, she oversaw a $3.6 billion budget, led the world’s largest wildland fire and aviation management program, and delivered weekly briefings to the White House and members of Congress, according to a county news release.
During her temporary absence from the office of emergency management, coordinator Rob Farino will step in. If an emergency arises, Legarza will temporarily resume her OEM duties.
Legarza will earn an annual salary of $186,000 while serving as interim manager.
After negotiations with a previous finalist fell through in August, commissioners opted to delay the search for a permanent manager until after the Nov. 4 election.
Applications for the permanent position are open through Nov. 30.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
