Following a comprehensive nationwide search, the Montrose County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the three finalists for the County Manager position: Frank Rodriguez, Mark Tyner, and Matt Smith.
A public meet and greet will be held on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:00 pm at the Montrose County Public Works Building at 63160 LaSalle Road. This event provides an opportunity for the community to meet the finalists and learn about their vision for Montrose County. The BOCC encourages residents to submit questions for the candidates in advance by emailing pr@montrosecounty.net.
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition in county leadership,” added Commissioner Sue Hansen. “This public meet and greet is an opportunity for the community to be involved in the selection process and provide valuable feedback to the board.”
Commissioners Rash and Caddy will be departing office in January as term-limited commissioners. Because the newly seated county manager will also be working with the incoming board, a separate meet and greet with finalists and commissioner candidates is also scheduled.
“We are excited to introduce these highly qualified finalists to the Montrose County community,” said Roger Rash, Board Chair. “The nationwide search yielded a strong pool of 11 qualified applicants and 18 overall applicants. These three finalists have impressive experience in local government and a deep understanding of the issues facing rural communities.”
The finalists are:
Frank Rodriguez: Frank Rodriguez is an accomplished leader with a demonstrated track record of managing complex operations and fostering strong community relations. He is currently the Chief of Police for the Town of Olathe, Colorado, where he leads a department of sworn officers and administrative staff. Since 2022, Frank has implemented several key initiatives, including reducing drug trafficking, improving community engagement through programs like “Coffee with a COP,” and launching a new field training officer program.
Previously, Frank served as Deputy Commissioner for the North Carolina Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division and as Chief Deputy for the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, managing state-wide fraud investigations and coordinating efforts with various law enforcement agencies. He has experience in managing teams, overseeing budgets, and leading strategic initiatives.
Frank holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Med/Biology from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He has been recognized for his exemplary service with multiple awards, including five Bronze Star Medals, two with Valor.
Mark Tyner: Mark Tyner is a seasoned local government professional with over 25 years of experience in city and county administration. He has served as a County Administrator for multiple counties in Alabama, including Calhoun, Bibb, Hale, and Pike Counties. In these roles, Mark managed significant operational responsibilities, including budget preparation, financial oversight, and strategic planning. He has experience overseeing large teams, with responsibilities ranging from supervising administrative duties to leading capital improvement projects.
Mark holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Organization Management from the University of Alabama and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Political Science. He is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and has served as a past president and board member of the Alabama City/County Management Association.
Matt Smith: Matt Smith is a public administration professional with extensive experience in both law enforcement and county operations. He currently serves as the Fairgrounds and Event Center Director for Montrose County, Colorado, where he provides leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the Fairgrounds and Event Center’s operations.
Prior to his current position, Matt served as the Deputy Chief of Police for the Montrose Police Department from 2008 to 2024. In this capacity, he collaborated with various community and regional partners to enhance public safety, coordinated emergency response efforts, and managed department-wide strategic initiatives. His experience encompasses leadership, budget oversight, policy development, and fostering strong relationships with local organizations.
Matt holds a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Police Administration from Colorado State University Global.
The BOCC plans to conduct second interviews with the finalists following the public meet and greet. The Board expects to make a final decision on the County Manager position in the coming weeks. To view the finalists’ resumes and applications, please visit the website.
