Supervisors choose Lew as next Pinal County manager
A longtime administrator at Pinal County has been chosen to be its next leader.
After extensive deliberations in executive session on Wednesday, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to hire Leo Lew as the next county manager. He had been serving as interim county manager since Louis Andersen resigned from the post on Nov. 17. He was previously the deputy county manager.
The board met on Wednesday to determine the next steps in finding Andersen’s official replacement, which could have included opening up the application process to anyone interested. However, they apparently were satisfied with who they already had for the job, and directed the county attorney to enter into contract negotiations with Lew.
Pinal County Release:
Leo Lew Named Permanent County Manager for Pinal County
At today’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Interim County Manager Leo Lew as the permanent County Manager for Pinal County.
Lew has been acting as Interim County Manager since Louis Andersen left the organization in November and has served Pinal County in various roles since 2009.
A Credentialed Manager with the International City/County Management Association, he has been serving in local government for over 15 years, having begun his career with a Big Four professional services firm.
As a strong proponent of leadership development, he has completed the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia and the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Harvard Kennedy School. He has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Stephen Miller said of the hire, “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to directly appoint Leo. As Interim County Manager, Leo has demonstrated his ability to lead and manage day-to-day operations here in the County. I have every confidence he’ll continue to be successful.”
Miller continued, “It’s also satisfying to reward a talented and long-serving employee of the County. I believe Leo has the support and confidence of not only our employees but also all of our communities and constituents across Pinal County.” Leo Lew commented of his appointment, “I am humbled to be entrusted with the opportunity to serve and provide leadership in Pinal County. I am committed to a continued spirit of teamwork and excellent service to our community. It is a great privilege to work with the high caliber of Elected Officials, County employees, cities, towns, businesses, and constituents that we have. Many good years to come…”
