Title
Discussion and Possible Approval of County Manager's Selection of Elias Isaacson as Community Development Department Director
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve the appointment of Elias Isaacson as Community Development Department Director.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the motion as requested.
Body
Article III, Section 303.2 of the Los Alamos County Charter requires formal Council approval of department head appointments. The County Manager has selected Elias "Eli" Isaacson to serve as Community Development Director. This position plays a vital role in County operations as the department encompasses Administration, Building Safety, Economic Development, Housing, and Planning.
Mr. Isaacson, previously held the position of Community Development Director for the City of Santa Barbara in California, where he was responsible for the direction and organizational activities of the Community Development Department and its 80 employees. He was also the Planning and Land Use Director for the City of Santa Fe and the City of Espanola.
Mr. Isaacson received his Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of City Planning, Master Certificate of Urban Design and Development from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Architecture from the University of New Mexico.
Mr. Isaacson was selected after a nationwide search, which included a final round of interviews in Los Alamos with community members, county staff, and the County Manager. We believe Mr. Isaacson to be a good fit for the organization and the community. His resume is shown in Attachment A.
Alternatives
Council could choose not to approve this appointment.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
Salary and benefits for this position are in the approved budget.
Attachments
A - Eli Isaacson resume