BernCo Commissioners select top three county manager candidates

Bernalillo County, NM (KKOB) — The top three county manager candidates were selected during tonight’s Bernalillo County Commission meeting.

Earlier today, the Board of County Commissioners met in a closed meeting to discuss five candidates the County Manager Search Committee presented to them last week. The top five applicants were interviewed by the full commission in a closed meeting on June 5, 2024. This evening, discussions continued during the administrative meeting and the top three candidates were voted on.

The top three candidates are listed below in alphabetical order.

1. Cindy Chavez
2. Marcos Gonzales
3. Joseph Lessard

A total of 10 applicants were considered for the county manager job. They are posted on the county’s website, here.

“I would like to thank our local search committee for doing such a professional job in recommending a strong group of candidates. We are thrilled to be one step closer to the selection of our next county manager. BernCo needs someone at the helm to keep the positive momentum going for all the wonderful things we are accomplishing for our community. We believe the three finalists have leadership qualities that will keep us moving in the right direction,” says County Commission Chair Barbara Baca.

Now, the community will have a chance to hear from each of the three finalists on their vision for Bernalillo County and the public will have a chance to provide comments. A special public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18 at 5 p.m. in the Ken Sanchez Commission Chambers at Alvarado Square. A virtual meeting option will also be made available. 

The County Commission is expected to choose a new county manager before the end of the month.

Current County Manager Julie Morgas Baca announced plans to retire June 30.