The La Paz County Board of Supervisors named lifelong Parker resident Stephanie McDowell as the newly appointed County Administrator in a process that began in August, replacing the outgoing Megan Spielman.
In a press release, the three Supervisors said that McDowell had emerged as their unanimous choice that will lead the County into its next chapter of growth and success.
The recruitment process, which began on August 26th, attracted fourteen qualified applicants. After a thorough vetting process, virtual interviews were conducted on October 23rd with five selected semi-finalists. Of those, three finalists were invited to in-person interviews and a leadership meet-and-greet on November 12th. After deliberations, the Board of Supervisors unanimously selected McDowell, citing her strong local ties, proven leadership abilities, and deep understanding of the La Paz County community. Pracademic Partners, a public sector consulting firm, assisted the County on the executive search.
“Stephanie stood out as the clear choice for this position,” said Supervisor Duce Minor. “Her extensive experience in public administration, her dedication to the community she calls home, and her innovative approach to tackling challenges make her the ideal leader to guide La Paz County into the future.”
McDowell brings over 15 years of experience in government operations, non-profit, and for-profit sectors. In her current role as Acting Human Services Division Manager (Medical Programs Coordinator) with the La Paz County Health Department, she has overseen key functions such as program management, grant development, financial oversight, and policy implementation.
During her tenure, McDowell worked closely with emergency management teams during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading response efforts that protected public health and safety. She also successfully implemented new programs within the Health Department, including the Community Health Worker Program, which was recognized by the Arizona Department of Health Services and the CDC for addressing health disparities using Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) data.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as the County Administrator for La Paz County,” said Ms. McDowell. “As a lifelong resident and public servant, I am committed to building on the county’s achievements and working collaboratively with the Board of Supervisors, staff, and community to ensure sustainable growth and enhanced public services. This is a community I care deeply about, and I look forward to serving in this capacity.”
Her extensive background in strategic planning, fiscal management, and program implementation equips her to address complex challenges with innovative and collaborative solutions. She has built strong partnerships with local, tribal, and regional stakeholders, enhancing service delivery and operational outcomes to meet the needs of La Paz County residents.
“Stephanie’s experience, technical expertise, and deep roots in the community make her uniquely qualified for this role,” said Supervisor David Plunkett. “We are confident she will be a transformative leader who will elevate La Paz County’s services and opportunities for our residents.”
“Selecting Stephanie McDowell as our new County Administrator was a unanimous decision by the Board of Supervisors,” added Supervisor Holly Irwin. “This decision reflects our shared belief in her ability to lead with integrity, innovation, and a deep understanding of our community.”
The Board was also impressed with McDowell’s vision for the county.
“As a lifelong resident of La Paz County, I know firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing the community and have a vested interest in its success. My leadership skills, technical expertise, and passion for public service will be an asset in the County Administrator role,” stated McDowell.
Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for La Paz County, the Supervisors’ press release said. Her leadership will focus on sustainable development, community engagement, and strengthening public services to meet the evolving needs of the county’s residents. McDowell will succeed Megan Spielman.