Todd Hollenbeck, Mesa County’s deputy administrator, is the only finalist to succeed County Administrator Pete Baier when he retires earlier this year.
Commissioners Cody Davis and Bobbie Daniel made the announcement during their regular meeting early Tuesday. Commissioner Janet Rowland is on vacation and was not present.
Hollenbeck, who has worked for the district for 24 years, was one of 17 applicants for the position.
“In my personal opinion, none of them have reached the level that Todd Hollenbeck brings,” Davis said.
“His experience and history with the county puts him in the perfect position to continue to drive the county’s success with his unique intangibles,” he added. “I firmly believe Todd has the intangibles to put the county in a strong position for the future.”
Daniel agreed and said that Hollenbeck was innovative and competent.
“He’s done the work,” she said. “He knows the departments, he’s built relationships with our county and our external partners. That’s invaluable.”
Last fall, Hollenbeck was one of two finalists to succeed fired health director Jeff Kuhr, but lost that bid to current director Xavier Crockett. Hollenbeck had served as interim director after Kuhr resigned last year under pressure from county commissioners.
Before being named deputy administrator in 2021, where he oversees more than 200 employees in seven county offices, Hollenbeck served as the county’s director of community development and director of regional transportation planning.
“This is a great opportunity and a true honor to be selected,” said Hollenbeck. “I look forward to continuing my service to Mesa County in this new role and working with our exceptional team, partners and community.”
He holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in project management from Jones International University in Centennial. He is also a certified Colorado Public Manager from the Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs.
Baier announced last month that he would retire effective Jan. 3 after serving more than 28 years in the county government, including the last five as its top administrative official.
Before assuming the position in 2019, Baier, 61, headed the county’s public works department for 20 years. Before that, he served as a development engineer and director of the county’s engineering department.
“He already has the respect of all the staff,” Davis said of Hollenbeck. “It will be a smooth transition. There will be no interruption in service or leadership, and I think that is in the best interest of the county.”
