El Paso County Administrator Henry Yankowski announced his plan to retire later this year. Mr. Yankowski’s retirement from county government is the culmination of a career that began in 1973 and spanned multiple states and jurisdictions.
“I am profoundly grateful to all of the El Paso County Commissioners, community members, and staff who have supported me as the El Paso County Administrator over the years,” Henry Yankowski said. “Serving as the County Administrator has been a dream and goal of mine for many years, and I am proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish during my time leading this great county.”
El Paso County Commissioners also expressed their gratitude and appreciation for Mr. Yankowski’s service as County Administrator.
“When I think of the things I like most about El Paso County, I think of Henry Yankowski,” the Board of County Commissioners Chair Mark Waller said. “From his time as the Director of the Regional Building Department to his tenure as our County Administrator, Henry has always focused on how to make life better for everyone. I appreciate his ability to easily partner with all interested parties—and always sharing credit—in an effort to accomplish great things for our county.”
“Henry Yankowski has been great,” Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez observed. “He is jovial and approachable, and he always provided honest insights into the inner workings of government. He was able to deliver low cost, high-impact solutions to the challenges our community faced during his time. His approach really helped me get up to speed when I joined the Board.”
“Henry Yankowski has been a tremendous asset to El Paso County,” said County Commissioner Holly Williams. “During his time as County Administrator, the County has made huge strides as a transparent, efficient, and responsive government. He is a man of integrity who is always willing to give an honest and balanced assessment of an issue.”
“I am going to miss Henry so much,” said County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf. “Henry is a great storyteller, and the stories he loves to tell are a reflection of his character and his principles. Henry is a strategic thinker and leader, which has allowed the County to address and solve many big challenges. Henry often served quietly but his impact on our community is unmistakable.”
“In my short time with the County, I have found Henry Yankowski to be welcoming, knowledgeable, and professional,” remarked Commissioner Cami Bremer. “He is the kind of person elected officials and staff alike can trust to diplomatically implement good policy that will benefit the citizens of our county. While I’m sad I won’t have the chance to work with him more, I wish him and his family all the best as he begins the next chapter of his life. I am forever grateful for the leadership and dedication he has provided to our county.”
Under Mr. Yankowski’s leadership, the County has focused on disaster recovery efforts, economic development through tax-increment financing and down payment assistance programs, modernized county I.T., addressed county roads and infrastructure issues, and promoted fiscal responsibility and transparency. El Paso County employs more than 2,800 employees between all county departments and offices.
The Board of County Commissioners will hold an executive session on Tuesday, February 19 to discuss the process of selecting a new administrator. The role of County Administrator is one of only two positions within county government the Board of County Commissioners select.