Don Reimer has been named the sole finalist in the search for the new Chaffee County Administrator.
Reimer previously served with Chaffee County Government as its County Engineer and Planning Director from 2002-2014. He has most recently worked as Community Development Director for the Town of Frisco (2020-present) and Planning Director for Summit County (2014-2020). Reimer holds a degree in Geological Engineering from Colorado School of Mines and is an AICP Certified Planner and registered Professional Engineer.
Chaffee County opened the national search in early January to find a successor to Robert “Bob” Christiansen, who announced his retirement in December 2022, following sixteen years in the County Administrator role. Christiansen formally concluded his full-time employment on February 28th, but is continuing to support the County over the coming months through its transition to a new Administrator.
The County received almost 100 applications for the County Administrator position from candidates across the country. The county hiring committee evaluated applicants utilizing a standardized rubric, ultimately narrowing down the field to five candidates who were invited for interviews in mid-February and then to two semifinalists in late-February. The hiring committee consisted of the Chaffee Commissioners, Keith Baker, Greg Felt, and P.T. Wood; plus administrative representatives Bob Christiansen, Dan Short, County Finance Director, and Beth Helmke, Deputy County Administrator; as well as County Attorney, Daniel Tom.
In accordance with Colorado Revised Statute section 24-6-402, the County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) publicly announced the finalist candidate under consideration at its March 7, 2023 regular meeting. The final hiring decision is planned for the BOCC’s meeting on March 21st.
Board of County Commissioners Chair Baker commented, “We were fortunate to have several strong candidates for the Administrator position and are truly grateful to all who shared their interest and input in the opportunity. While we will miss Bob Christiansen greatly in this role, we are simultaneously excited to welcome in a new era of county administrative leadership.”
