On May 1, Stephen Lopez became Interim County Manager, appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Lopez brings over three decades of extensive experience in law enforcement, emergency management and academia to his new role.

Lopez began his career in law enforcement at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in 1987. He worked there for 33 years, with the last eight years as Chief of Police. During his tenure at NMSU, Lopez also served as adjunct faculty for 14 years, teaching courses in public health and criminal justice, demonstrating his commitment to both community safety and education.

In January 2021, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lopez joined the County and assumed the role of Emergency Manager for the joint County/City of Las Cruces Office of Emergency Management. His leadership during this critical time has been instrumental in coordinating emergency response efforts and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

Lopez holds bachelor's degrees from NMSU in criminal justice and psychology, showcasing his multidisciplinary approach to addressing complex community issues. He furthered his education by earning a master's degree from the University of Washington in strategic planning for critical infrastructures, equipping him with the strategic vision necessary for effective management in dynamic environments.

For information on the application process for the County Manager position, click here County Manager Search