Outgoing County Manager Steven Lynne, left, speaks to Los Alamos County Councilors Tuesday during his last Council meeting. Lynne has worked for the County for 28 years. Also pictured is County Attorney Alvin Leaphart. Screenshot by Los Alamos Reporter

County Councilors change from business attire to special shirts prior to having their photo taken with County Manager Steven Lynne during his last Council Meeting before his final day at work Friday. Screenshot by Los Alamos Reporter

County Councilors gather for photos with County Manager Steve Lynne whose last day at work is Friday. Screenshot by Los Alamos Reporter

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Los Alamos County Council recognized County Manager Steven Lynne during the regular Council meeting for his 28 years of service. Following the reading of the document by Council Chair Denise Derkacs, which is published below in its entirety, Lynne voiced his own thoughts.

“I’m really happy it’s this council who made the decision about my replacement and really happy about the decision you made,” Lynne said, referring to Ann Laurent who takes over from him Mar.1.

Lynne said during his tenure of 28 years, no county manager has had the good fortune to work with his successor hand in hand for a couple of months.

“So that’s really great,” he said.

Lynne said there are a lot of amazing memories at the County, “so many, many great things.”

“I’m very much a little overwhelmed with gratitude and all I want to do is express that tonight and say thanks to a lot of people,” he said, going on to thank current and past county councils.

“We have a great county and there are issues in every community. I would take our issues over any other governing body any other day. Part of what has enabled me to do a good job over the years is having good county councils, and that’s especially true with this one,” Lynne said.

He thanked his staff in the County Manager’s Office and all other employees throughout the County Lynne also thanked all the citizens saying that was one thing that has been great about working for Los Alamos County.

“Every interaction that I’ve had – yes, there were some complaints -but that’s part of our business. I never feel bad about being complained to – it’s part of the job,” he said.

Lastly, Lynne reached out to his family and his wife, Suzanne.

“Everything begins and ends with her. I would be nothing if it wasn’t for her,” he said. “I just want to say thanks for the opportunity and what an honor it’s been. I am very honored and humble.”

Community members, friends, and co-workers are invited to join Lynne and his family at the retirement celebration on Friday, March 1, 4-6 p.m. at Fuller Lodge, 2132 Central Ave., Los Alamos. 

RECOGNITION OF COUNTY MANAGER STEVEN LYNNE

WHEREAS, after twenty eight years of outstanding and meritorious service to the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, New Mexico, County Manager Steven Lynne’s last day of work is March 1, 2024 and his official retirement date is July 31, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Steven began his career with Los Alamos County on February 5, 1996, as the Budget Officer in the Office of Management and Budget; and

WHEREAS, Steven’s diligent work and demonstrated ability resulted in continuous advancement to positions of increasing responsibility, first earning appointment to the position of Finance Manager on July 5, 2000, promoting to Administrative Services Manager/Chief Financial Officer on January 6, 2010, and to Deputy County Manager on April 22, 2012; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his outstanding leadership skills and proven professionalism, he was promoted to the position of and to County Manager on July 14, 2021, and continued serving the County until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Steven successfully ensured the organizational and community stability by providing leadership and emergency oversight during the Cerro Grande, Las Conchas and Cerro Pelado fires, and was key in the success of several economic development and capital projects throughout his tenure: Coordinating the Pajarito Cliffs Site development, which required relocating the county-owned facilities off of Trinity and 9th Street to make room for the Kroger development; Expanding the County’s partnership with the Los Alamos Public Schools; Demolishing and replacing the original County administrative building with a new Justice Center, Animal Shelter and Municipal Building; Establishing the Atomic City Transit system; Strengthening relationships with Los Alamos County neighbors through the Progress Through Partnering Program; Sponsoring the Regional Economic Development Initiative for broadband; and Working with the Department of Public Utilities on a U.S./Japanese demonstration
smart grid; and

WHEREAS, Steven led the County as a project sponsor and leader for the Enterprise Resource Planning implementation project which spanned four years and converted a legacy system to an integrated system that successfully went live July 1, 2018, and serves as the foundation of the County’s internal system infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Steven played a pivotal role in the Finance division, leading the team to be consistently recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association, receiving awards each year for the twenty eight years he worked with the County, setting a very high standard of sound fiscal management and financial excellence that has helped keep the County’s bond ratings high; and

WHEREAS, Steven in his most recent role as County Manager, demonstrated a commitment to improve recruitment and retention efforts for County personnel by instituting several measures that had positive impacts on new and existing employees and is keeping Los Alamos County competitive with the market and with recent inflation; and

WHEREAS, throughout his many years of service, Steven has served the people of this County with compassion, fairness and dedication; and

WHEREAS, in addition to Steven’s unparalleled expertise in navigating the complex labyrinth of government budgets and spreadsheets, he has also brought a vibrant splash of color to the community, as he is easily recognizable at the summer concerts or at the movie theater due to his affinity for tie-dye shirts. Thus, we recognize not just his leadership and financial talents, but the spirited individual who reminds us that even in the world of local government, there’s room for a little tie-dye, music and cinematic adventure.

NOW THEREFORE, on behalf of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos, I do hereby extend to Steven Lynne our sincere and grateful appreciation for his dedicated service to Los Alamos County, our congratulations on his well-earned retirement, and our best wishes to him and his family for continued success, happiness, and good health in the years to come.

DATED this 27th day of February, 2024.

Denise Derkacs, Chair
Los Alamos County Council