After spending $16,716.01
on a four-month national search for a new county manager, Adams County commissioners on Monday appointed deputy county manager Todd Leopold to the post.
“After four months we narrowed our selection of applicants to a handful of applicants, some of whom we looked at more than once,” Commissioner Eva Henry said in a written statement. “But the more we looked at the field of candidates, the more we came to realize that Todd Leopold was the most qualified person for the job.
“No one else has his experience, qualifications, or leadership skills,” she wrote.
Leopold, an Adams County native, was named deputy county manager in September 2012. Before that, he worked for 12 years as Jefferson County’s director of budget and director of administrative services.
In April, after current manager Jim Robinson announced his plan to retire, to help search for a new manager.
Two finalists were identified by Slavin, including Roy Witherow, currently an assistant village administrator for the Village of Lake Zurich, Ill. A second candidate backed out of the process. Leopold was not one of the two finalists Slavin identified.
Leopold will officially take over the role of county manager on Nov. 1.
Robinson will retire Oct. 31, after 22 years with the county.
“I’m envious that things should be easier moving forward,” Robinson said before the announcement. “I really think Adams County is on the right track.”
Commissioner Erik Hansen said in a written statement that Leopold has already improved the county. “Although he’s only been with Adams County for just over a year, Todd has already had a profound impact on the way we conduct business.”
The commissioners also hired Heidi Miller as county attorney. Miller has served as acting county attorney since Adams County .
Adams County’s human resources department conducted a search for a county attorney earlier this year and identified five candidates.
The pool did not include Miller.
“Heidi has distinguished herself as a natural leader during her time with Adams County, and her skillful guidance over the past seven months has been nothing short of remarkable,” Henry said.
Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372, yrobles@denverpost.com or twitter.com/yeseniarobles
