County Commissioners select first chief administrator

El Paso County Commissioners on Monday selected Steven Norwood to offer a contract to as the County’s first Chief Administrator.

The vote was unanimous.

Norwood has 22 years of experience as City Manager, most recently in Round Rock, Texas and in Prescott, Arizona before that.

Norwood will be paid $191,000 and will begin his tenure at El Paso County on January 12.

His contract will come before Commissioners Court on January 5th, which will be the first meeting of the year.

Among Mr. Norwood’s tasks will be to help set up the County’s Budget Office, ensure that projects like the Tornillo Guadalupe Port of Entry, the East Side Annex and the Sportspark are completed, assist with the creation of the County’s first Pre-Trial Services Office as well as to assist with the jail study that will help Commissioners Court achieve greater savings and accountability for taxpayers.

“El Paso County has worked hard to modernize an antiquated organization with the goal of creating a more efficient and accountable government,” County Judge Veronica Escobar said. “Today’s hire is a step in that same direction. Mr. Norwood will help Commissioners Court finalize important projects, enforce policies, execute the court’s strategic vision, and find ways to streamline and improve services. It’s an exciting time for our community.”