County Commission announces finalists for County Manager role

The Board of County Commissioners identified four finalists for consideration to be Doña Ana County’s next County Manager.

Source: Doña Ana County

They have varied backgrounds and experiences, each bringing unique perspectives and qualifications. Their names are listed below, in alphabetical order:

Scott Andrews, Assistant City Manager, Bakersfield, California (pop. 415,000). Mr. Andrews has more than 21 years of experience in various roles in the public sector. He has been in his current role for more than two years and oversees Human Resources, Finance, Parks & Recreation, Information Technology Services, Economic Development, Community Relations, and Risk Management. His prior experience includes another three and a half years as City Manager in Covington, Georgia, and over two years as Assistant City Administrator in Smyrna, Georgia. Additional public sector executive experience includes three years as Economic Development Director in Sugar Hill, Georgia. Mr. Andrews has a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of South Florida/Univ. of Phoenix, a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University and a Doctor of Education from Argosy University.
Barbara Bencomo, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Las Cruces (pop. 114,000). Ms. Bencomo has worked 14 years with the City of Las Cruces with a background in both the technology and healthcare business sectors. Her current role includes oversight of financial services, information technology, and organizational development. Prior experience at the City include developing organizational and legislative policies implementing the City’s key priorities, including reimplementation of the Munis ERP system. She also served in prior roles with the City of Las Cruces as Chief of Staff, Deputy Finance Director, and Interim Assistant City Manager. Prior to her work at the City of Las Cruces, she was as an independent consultant in the health care sector with Wellspring Group, Huron Partners and Memorial Medical Center. Ms. Bencomo is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration in Finance.
Stephen Lopez, Interim County Manager, Doña Ana County (pop. 225,000). Mr. Lopez was appointed as Interim County Manager on May 1, by the Board of County Commissioners. Prior to his current role, he was the Emergency Manager for the County for three years. In that role, he worked closely with the Board of County Commissioners, other County Departments, and many other organizations throughout the county, developing a strategic plan and community collaboration efforts. Mr. Lopez has extensive law enforcement experience, serving as Chief of Police for New Mexico State University for ten years, Deputy Chief for seven years and various other law enforcement assignments prior to those leadership positions, with New Mexico State University. Mr. Lopez holds Bachelor of Arts degrees and a Master of Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructure from New Mexico State University.
Mark Tyner, a recently retired County Administrator, Calhoun County, Alabama (pop. 116,000). As County Administrator for six years, Mr. Tyner oversaw general operations, services and capital improvement programs of the 350-employee organization. This experience included budget oversight and collaboration with several elected officials in the County. Prior to Calhoun County, Mr. Tyner was County Administrator for fifteen years in Bibb County, Alabama overseeing multiple operations and services. Early career experience includes City Clerk and a Special Assistant to City Administrator, both in Alabama communities. Tyner has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Alabama.

“The Board of Commissioners is excited about this pool of qualified candidates and hopes to have a new county manager identified in the coming weeks,” Commission Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez said. “We are committed to including our community in the selection process and look forward to introducing the finalists to residents, highlighting their expertise, while showcasing the unique features that make Doña Ana County a great place to live, work and thrive.”

Finalists will be on-site for interviews and community visits (locations and times to be announced) Friday, Aug. 9 and Saturday, Aug. 10. Residents are encouraged to attend community meetings to get to know them better. Feedback will be collected in-person and through an online portal on the Doña Ana County website throughout that weekend.

Located in southcentral New Mexico, Doña Ana County is the home of breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant community, known for its rich cultural heritage. It covers 3,804 square miles, bordering El Paso County, Texas, the state of Chihuahua, Mexico and Luna, Sierra and Otero Counties in New Mexico.

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Levi Gwaltney

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