by Jefferson County Public Information
comments open from December 15 until January 3

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners today named Ralph Schell to the position of Jefferson County Administrator. Schell had been appointed Interim County Administrator December 10, 2009, following the termination of the county’s contract with the previous administrator, Jim Moore. Schell has been director of the Jefferson County Community Resources Department and Open Space Division for 11 years.

Schell’s appointment as County Administrator was made by resolution during the December 15 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. As the top executive, Schell’s responsibilities will include implementing the policies and priorities of the Board of County Commissioners, balancing an annual operating budget of more than $488 million, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of one of Colorado's largest counties. With nearly 3,000 employees, Jefferson County provides programs and services to more than half a million residents.

Schell was hired by Jefferson County in March of 1998 as director of the Community Resources Department, which includes Boettcher Mansion, CSU Extension, the Jefferson County Fairgrounds and the Open Space Division.

Amy P. Ito, Manager of Planning and Development for Open Space, has been appointed Acting Community Resources and Open Space Director, effective Monday, December 14.

Read the full release for more information and Schell's bio.