After an eight-month search, La Plata County has filled the vacant role of county manager.
This week, the board of county commissioners appointed Shawna Legarza, who has been serving as interim county manager for the past few months, to the job in a permanent capacity.
Legarza was one of two county manager finalists announced in January. She was officially chosen after the other finalist for the job, Drew Sanders, Cortez City Manager, rescinded his application earlier this week.
The majority of Legarza’s career has been in emergency management roles. Prior to her role as interim manager, Legarza was the county’s emergency management director, following a four-year stint as the national director of fire and aviation for the U.S. Forest Service.
“Shawna brings continuity, institutional knowledge, and an understanding of the work happening across our departments. We have full confidence in her commitment to supporting staff and serving our community,” Commissioner Matt Salka said in a Thursday news release announcing the selection.
Legarza’s selection marks an end to the second job search that was started in November.
Commissioners will take action on Legarza’s official contract at the Tuesday board meeting. She is expected to start Feb. 21.
Legarza will be paid an annual salary of $200,000. She was unavailable for comment Friday.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
