Pitkin County Appoints Kara Silbernagel as New Manager

Kara Silbernagel is Pitkin County's new manager — appointed Wednesday by the Board of County Commissioners. She's been interim manager for four months, and has worked in Pitkin County government for 12 years.

Silbernagel succeeds Jon Peacock, who resigned after 15 years on the job. The board praised her work as interim manager — all members congratulated her on the appointment.

Silbernagel started as a policy analyst in 2014. She worked across departments, including early work on broadband expansion. She contributed to Public Health, Human Services, Housing, and Resiliency departments.

Eventually, Silbernagel became deputy county manager, a role that involves operationalizing policy initiatives passed down from the Pitkin County Commissioners. She worked on the Community Growth Advisory Committee, creating the Pitkin County Comprehensive Plan, known as Pitkin County Vision 2050. She also worked on the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport vision process and the COVID-19 pandemic response.

The county manager role requires close work with the board and community. Silbernagel needs to understand future priorities and direct the county's focus. Silbernagel is focused on making 2026 and 2027 successful. The county has big projects; the airport, landfill, and Phillips mobile home park. Open Space and Trails projects are also upcoming, along with the airport closure next year.

Pitkin County Commissioners Chair Jeffrey Woodruff highlighted Silbernagel's accomplishments during the appointment meeting. He mentioned grants the county received during her tenure.

Silbernagel's appointment will impact Western Slope residents. The county's decisions affect the local economy, infrastructure, and services. As county manager, Silbernagel will oversee a budget of millions - that's what Pitkin County spends on services and infrastructure in a year.

The airport project, for example, will affect air travel and local businesses. The landfill project will impact waste management and environmental policies. Silbernagel's leadership will shape the county's direction on these issues.

Make no mistake. Silbernagel's experience and knowledge of local government will be crucial in her new role. She has worked with various departments and has a deep understanding of the community's needs.

The short version: Silbernagel's appointment is a significant change for Pitkin County. Her leadership will impact the local community, and her experience will be essential in navigating the county's challenges.

Read that again: Silbernagel has been with Pitkin County since 2014. She has a deep understanding of the community and its operations. This will be important as she takes on the county manager role.

As Silbernagel moves forward, she will face challenges - the airport closure, landfill project, and budget management. These challenges will require careful planning and community engagement.

Worth watching: how Silbernagel's leadership style will impact the county's decision-making process. Will she prioritize community input, or will she focus on efficient project management?

The county's budget is a significant factor in Silbernagel's new role. She will need to balance competing priorities and make tough decisions about resource allocation.

In Pitkin County, the county manager role is critical. The manager oversees the budget, directs departments, and works closely with the board. Silbernagel's experience and skills make her a strong candidate for the position.

However, the real test of her leadership will be in the coming months. How will she handle the airport closure, and what will be the impact on local businesses?

The community will be watching Silbernagel's progress closely. Her decisions will affect the local economy, infrastructure, and services. As county manager, she will be responsible for ensuring the county's operations are efficient and effective.

The fact that Silbernagel has 12 years of experience is significant. She has a deep understanding of the community and its needs. This experience will be essential in her new role.

As the county moves forward with big projects, Silbernagel's leadership will be crucial. The airport project, landfill, and Open Space and Trails projects will require careful planning and community engagement.

In the end, Silbernagel's success will depend on her ability to balance competing priorities, engage with the community, and make tough decisions about resource allocation. The community will be watching her progress closely.

That's what's at stake; the future of Pitkin County, and the impact of Silbernagel's leadership on the local community.