The Adams County Board of Commissioners appointed its interim county manager to the permanent position starting July 1, according to a news release from county officials. 

Dionne Stroter has served as the interim county manager since June 14 and assumed the permanent role on July 1 following a “competitive, nationwide” hiring search, according to the release.

Stroter, who also previously served as deputy county manager starting last year, has more than 20 years of experience in public administration, according to the release. County commissioners also chose her for her “strong leadership record, and deep dedication to advancing equity and opportunity for all Adams County residents.”

She is a Colorado native who has also served as the deputy executive director of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.

During her time in the role, the department got more than $1.5 billion in federal stimulus funds to support pandemic recovery programs and she led initiatives to improve communication and accessibility in the department, according to the release.

She has also served as executive director of Denver’s Office of Children’s Affairs and held leadership roles in Denver’s Departments of Finance, Public Works, Parks and Recreation and General Services.

Stroter called her selection for the role “an honor.”

“This is a community filled with resilient people, incredible diversity, and tremendous potential,” Stroter said in the release. “I’m excited to continue working alongside our talented staff, dedicated partners, and our board to deliver on the priorities that matter most to our residents.”

Lynn Baca, the board’s chair, said Stroter’s strategic vision, understanding of county operations and commitment to serving the community made her the clear choice for the role.

“We are confident her leadership will continue to guide Adams County forward in meaningful and innovative ways,” Baca said in the release.

Stroter has a strong ability to bring people together and navigate complex challenges that make her the “right choice” for the county’s future, Board Vice Chair Julie Duran Mullica added.

Along with her career roles, Stroter has also been involved in many community initiatives — including serving as chair of Aurora’s Cultural Affairs Commission, according to the press release. 

The county manager is responsible for leading day-to-day operations in Adams County, overseeing the county’s more than $800 million budget and managing more than 2,500 employees throughout the county’s departments.