Shawna Legarza appointed as Interim County Manager

The La Plata County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday appointed Shawna A. Legarza, PsyD, as Interim County Manager, beginning Nov. 15.

Ms. Legarza grew up working on a large cattle ranch. She is passionate about learning and eventually earned her doctorate of psychology, specializing in organizational leadership from University of the Rockies. She has a Master of Science in kinesiology and a Bachelor of Science in teaching and exercise physiology. She has 36 years of experience in the public sector and is currently serving as the La Plata County Director of Emergency Management, a position she has held for the last five years.

Prior to working for La Plata County, she had a lengthy career in the U.S. Forest Service. Shawna became the first superintendent of the San Juan Interagency Hotshots in 2002 and retired as the National Director of Fire and Aviation Management at the National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. where she managed and provided oversight for a $3.6 billion budget, led the largest wildland fire and aviation management program in the world, and presented weekly briefings to the White House and members of the U.S. House and Senate.

"The Board feels that Shawna will be a great leader for our organization during this interim period," said Marsha Porter-Norton, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. "She has the skills and experience to manage our day-to-day operations, and she has the respect and trust of the community and the county's leadership team. We are very much looking forward to working closely with her."

Applications for the permanent county manager position will be accepted through November 30. Visit https://www.lpcgov.org/jobs for more information or to apply.