Montrose, COLO.— Montrose County Commissioner Sue Hansen earned statewide recognition from her peers this week as she received the Freshman Commissioner of the Year Award from the Colorado Counties Inc. The award was presented at the annual winter conference held in Colorado Springs.
“This was truly an honor and a surprise,” said Commissioner Hansen. “I am humbled to be recognized by my peers, and I am thankful for the assistance of Commissioners Rash, Caddy, Managers Norris and Waschbusch, and all of the dedicated staff of Montrose County—especially during my first few months in office. I am looking forward to continuing the successes that we have had at the county, and working with intention to address growth, housing, and core services provided by the county.”
In the nomination submitted by Montrose County Commissioner Keith Caddy, he noted, “Commissioner Hansen wasted no time in tirelessly learning everything she could about the commissioner role and county government. She never shies away from a decision when she believes it is in the best interest of the public. She is a stalwart defender of the public purse. . . She is an amazing example of the immediate impact that a freshman commissioner can have on their community.”
Commissioner Hansen had an early start as a commissioner as she was appointed to fill a vacancy created by resignation in July of 2018. She was already on the campaign trail at the time and handily won the general election in November of 2018. Since that time, Commissioner Hansen has gotten involved at both at the state and federal levels, working to ensure Montrose County and west slope interests are represented. She is a member on the following boards: National Association of Counties Community, Economic, and Workforce Development Committee, Club 20, and the Colorado Works Allocation Committee. Locally, Commissioner Hansen also serves as the commissioner representative for the Montrose County Housing Authority Board, Montrose Regional Airport Advisory Board, Montrose Memorial Hospital Board, Weed Control Board, Montrose Regional Library District Board, Regional Housing Committee, Water and Land Use Policy Committee, and the Olathe Steering Committee.
Commissioner Hansen was the driving force behind the establishment of the annual West Slope Water Summit, an event that brings key speakers to the area to discuss immediate and long-term water issues facing the state. Moreover, she is actively involved as a key instructor for “Montrose U”, a community-based leadership program. Montrose County would like to congratulate Commissioner Sue Hansen on this prestigious achievement. For more information about Commissioner Hansen, please see her biography at montrosecounty.net.