Coconino County Manager Steve Peru is announcing his retirement from Coconino County after thirty two years of public service. Peru began his career at Coconino County in 1979 and has held a variety of positions within the county, including Interim County Manager prior to being appointed County Manager in 2006. Peru will remain in Flagstaff and continue his involvement with organizations in the community.
“Making the decision to retire from Coconino County was not an easy one,” said Peru. “I have grown up with Coconino County and will always be grateful for the opportunities provided to me and my family. Most of all, I will miss the dedicated employees of the county. Each and every day, they are out serving the public by doing the best job possible.”
Peru began his career at the county in the Community Services Department and has served in a variety of roles in the organization, including Community Services Program Coordinator, Career and Training Center Director, Interim Facilities and Interim Finance Director, Elections Director, Assistant to the County Manager/Clerk of the Board and Deputy County Manager. Peru was appointed as the County Manager in October 2006.
“As I embark on a new chapter, I am so proud of our organization and our employees,” Peru said. “I leave Coconino County in good hands, knowing that our Board of Supervisors, Leadership Team and our dedicated staff will continue to position Coconino County for the future.”
During his tenure at Coconino County, Peru has taken the lead on key initiatives. These initiatives include the county’s success in financial planning and the ability to weather the worst downturn in the economy since the Great Depression. Peru also led efforts to ensure the county’s investment in key assets, including parks and open space, the restoration of the Coconino County Courthouse and the construction of a new jail within Coconino County. Peru has been at the helm during the county’s worst year of natural disasters, including a record-breaking snow storm, a large wildfire, flooding and tornadoes.
“While the Board of Supervisors is sad to see Steve leave the organization, we would like to congratulate Steve,” saidLena Fowler, Chairwoman of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. “Steve has instilled values in our organization that will survive his legacy. Steve is a true public servant who has shown the highest level of dedication to the organization.”
Peru’s last day with Coconino County will be November 4, 2011. Coconino County staff will be developing an interim leadership succession plan for consideration by the Board of Supervisors.
Statement by Members of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors
Regarding Steve Peru Retirement
“While the Board of Supervisors is sad to see Steve leave the organization, we would like to congratulate Steve,” saidLena Fowler, Chairwoman of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. “Steve has instilled values in our organization that will survive his legacy. Steve is a true public servant who has shown the highest level of dedication to the organization.”
“Steve is a tremendously good person. Steve has spent more than thirty years bringing his good nature into his everyday duties at the county. Along the way, he has gained the respect of county employees and the Board,” said Matt Ryan, Vice Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. “It has truly been a pleasure working with Steve and I will miss these attributes, and Steve as a person. He has earned this opportunity and I am excited to see his next choice in this life journey.”
“Steve has provided leadership in Coconino County in many capacities over the years and has been an ideal County Manager because of his extensive knowledge of the organization and local issues,” said Supervisor Carl Taylor, District One. “I will miss working with him in these challenging times, but wish him the best in his new endeavor. I am completely supportive of pursuing new opportunities and am sure that Steve will distinguish himself as he has in the past.”
“I consider myself very fortunate to have worked alongside Steve. He is one of the most caring, hardworking, and supportive people I know. I can’t think of any other person who has given so much of himself to Coconino County and has lived out the true meaning of public service,” said Supervisor Liz Archuleta, District Two. “Because of Steve, Coconino County has a culture of caring for the people we serve. Steve is one of a kind and though I am going to miss him terribly, I am happy for him and wish him wonderful new adventures.”
“Steve is an excellent County Manager and his departure will leave very large shoes to fill. However, he has thoughtfully and purposefully built an outstanding leadership team throughout the county organization,” said Supervisor Mandy Metzger, District Four. “While we will miss Steve’s active participation in the day to day operations of the county, the management he leaves behind will continue to serve Coconino County well. We wish him the very best in his new journey!”