RBC | After many years without a county administrator, Rio Blanco County Commissioners brought in Larry Jones last year as an interim administrator. Jones, from Florida, has experience both as a commissioner and as an administrator, and worked with the board and staff for the last six months to determine exactly what the county needed in an administrator.
Nine applicants applied for the position. That number was narrowed down to three finalists in April: Guy Dansie of Utah, Jeremy Muxlow of Meeker, and Vicky Edwards of Meeker. Muxlow and Edwards both have experience with the county; Muxlow was formerly with the sheriff’s office and Edwards has been the county’s paralegal since 2015.
In a special meeting last Thursday, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously chose Edwards for the administrator position.
Jones, who has completed his interim service, told the commissioners, “This is a big positive step for the citizens, staff and yourselves.”
Edwards brings paralegal expertise and organizational knowledge and familiarity to the role as well as deep roots in the county.
“My parents, Bob and Lauretta Sikes, were well-known figures in the Meeker area as the
proprietors of Night Owl Grocery and Liquor Store. It was through their hard work and
dedication that I learned the values of community service and integrity, which have guided me
throughout my life,” Edwards said via email.
A 1982 Meeker High School alumnae, Edwards earned a bachelor of arts in political science and criminal law from Mesa College in 1987 and an associate degree in paralegal studies in 1993 before going to work in the banking sector in Dallas, Texas.
“Through a series of commendable advancements, including obtaining Life and Health
insurance, Series 6 and 63 investment licenses, I culminated my tenure at Arkansas National
Bank as the Vice President of General Operations, overseeing operations across 14 local and out-of-state banking facilities. Subsequently, I transitioned into the legal realm, initiating my
paralegal career at my spouse’s law firm.”
Edwards is married to Rio Blanco County judge and Meeker municipal judge Jay Edwards. He is also a karate instructor at the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District. They have two children, Courtney and Zachary.
“In 2015, my husband and I made the decision to return to Meeker, to semi-retire and reconnect
with our roots. Little did I know that this homecoming would lead me to a new chapter in my
career,” Edwards said. “I was honored to be hired as the Rio Blanco County Paralegal under Kent Borchard, and over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals in various capacities. From serving as a paralegal for three attorneys to assisting nine commissioners, each experience has shaped me and prepared me for the role I am undertaking today.”
Edwards described her vision for her new role in an email to the HT, stating, “I am excited to embark on this next challenging step. Rio Blanco County is not just a geographical location; it is a community with its own unique customs, traditions, and values. As a native of this county, I understand the importance of honoring and preserving these aspects of our culture while striving for progress and improvement.
I believe in the strength of collaborative governance and I am eager to engage with citizens on
both sides of the County. I invite you to give me a call and share with me your ideas, concerns,
and aspirations for the county. I firmly endorse the power of collaboration in realizing common
objectives and effectively tackling challenges.
My dedication to Rio Blanco County residents is steadfast, and I am fully committed to
delivering services with integrity, fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency. By
upholding the principles outlined in the Rio Blanco County mission statement, we can cultivate
trust, encourage collaboration, and fortify our community for future generations.”
Also during the special meeting, commissioners approved the renewal of the liquor license for Corner Market, approved a bid for sand for the fairgrounds, and discussed planning interviews for County Capital Improvement Trust Fund and Commissioners Discretionary Grant Fund applications.
The next regular meeting of the board will be held Tuesday, May 14.
By NIKI TURNER | [email protected]