The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners has announced Stephen Lopez as interim county manager, effective May 1. Lopez brings over three decades of extensive experience in law enforcement, emergency management and academia to his new role.
Source: Doña Ana County
Lopez began his career in law enforcement at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in 1987. He worked there for 33 years, with the last eight years as Chief of Police. During his tenure at NMSU, Lopez also served as adjunct faculty for 14 years, teaching courses in public health and criminal justice, demonstrating his commitment to both community safety and education.
In January 2021, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lopez joined the County and assumed the role of Emergency Manager for the joint County/City of Las Cruces Office of Emergency Management. His leadership during this critical time has been instrumental in coordinating emergency response efforts and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.
Lopez holds bachelor’s degrees from NMSU in criminal justice and psychology, showcasing his multidisciplinary approach to addressing complex community issues. He furthered his education by earning a master’s degree from the University of Washington in strategic planning for critical infrastructures, equipping him with the strategic vision necessary for effective management in dynamic environments.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Lopez stated, “I am looking forward to working with elected and administrative leaders throughout the County to make sure we are ready to welcome a new permanent County Manager in a few months.” His experience, dedication, and collaborative spirit make him well-suited to guide the County during this transitional period.
“We thank Stephen Lopez for being willing to serve in the role of interim County Manager to help lead us through this period of transition,” Commission Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez said. “While we look for a new County Manager, we will continue our mission of serving our community with integrity, transparency, and excellence. We are confident that Stephen will provide that.”
Current County Manager Fernando Macias’ last day as County Manager is Tuesday, April 30.
