County administrator Susan Hansen to retire
Susan Hansen, Delta county's administrator for 20 years, announced her retirement at a staff meeting May 2. She plans to retire in September.
She is credited above all else as the guiding influence that has steered the county's public business away from financial distress in the current downturn.
Commission chair Olen Lund said, "We really can say we owe the financial stability of the county to her."
County finances under Hansen's administration have pursued a disciplined approach of maintaining adequate cash reserves and low-to-no debt.
Commissioner Doug Atchley said, "Her conservative management and budgeting skill have marked the outstanding job she has done, in my opinion."
And while financial successes during recent tough times stand out, Hansen's work and influence have extended far beyond the normal budget work sessions and administrative routine.
"One of Susan's most outstanding achievements involved the coal industry," states the nomination letter for her 2006 honor of County Administrator of the Year. "Susan encouraged the county to assume a leadership position in a volatile situation between the industry and environmental groups in the North Fork Valley and resolve issues by cooperation and collaboration rather than by competition and litigation."
The result of the work was the North Fork Coal Working Group and a $6-plus million project to improve safety of railroad grade crossings – a project credited with undoubtedly saving lives here.
Commissioner Bruce Hovde said, "I am going to lock the door and keep her here for at least the next five years. Susan has served Delta County with distinction for over 20 years, and the amount of knowledge that she has is beyond comprehension. I have never worked with anyone as competent and unbiased as Susan is."
blog comments powered by Disqus