With the new year brings a new face to the role of Phillips County Administrator. Andrew Nygaard took over as County Administrator effective Jan. 1. Former Administrator Laura Schroetlin retried from her position with the County at the end of 2023 after more than 13 years of service to Phillips County. Schroetlin was named County Administrator in 2021.

"She has stayed on in a part-time capacity to help with the transition," Nygaard said. "I am very grateful for all of her help, as she has a vast knowledge about County operations. She worked in the administration office for over 13 years and she has taught me so much about the job."

Nygaard began his career in the County office in May 2022 when he was hired in the administration/planning office. In November of that year, he was reclassified as deputy administrator and Planner.

Nygaard moved to Holyoke at a young age, attending Holyoke schools from preschool on. He graduated from Holyoke High School in 2005 and later attended CU Boulder. He graduated college in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in English and History.

After college Nygaard lived and worked in Greeley and would frequently return to Holyoke to visit friends and family. Later, he and his girlfriend decided to return to his hometown. Prior to joining the County, Nygaard worked at the Holyoke Enterprise.

"I was very happy to get to know the community again," he said.

As administrator, Nygaard will help facilitate day-to-day operations of the County including agenda preparation for Commissioner meetings, providing Commissioners with available information they need to make decisions, preparing the preliminary county budget for the Commissioners' consideration, ensuring compliance with county policies, personnel and other administrative duties.

"As planner, I work to ensure the county's land use code is followed, issue building permits, work with the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment and things of that nature. I am also the secretary of the E911 Board, Region One Translator Association, and Recreation District board," he added.

His priority, Nygaard said, is to provide County Commissioners with the best information he can to ensure they make the decisions they need to for the County.

"They always do a great job of making sure rural eastern Colorado voices are heard, and this is important because Colorado is much more than just the Front Range."

As for projects, Nygaard said he doesn't have anything specific in sight, but that whatever may come, he wants to make it a priority to ensure things are done correctly and according to County policies. "And that they're done in a fiscally sound manner to minimize costs to the taxpayers. I want to support and help facilitate the vision of our County Commissioners."

In his free time, Nygaard said he likes to golf and play chess. His parents, David and Vicki Nygaard, still reside in Holyoke.

"I love this County and northeastern Colorado. I grew up here and want to see it be successful in every way possible," he said.

At the moment, Phillips County is without a Deputy Administrator, however, the administration office is staffed by Patrick Mitchell, who has been with the County for five years, and Christy Kage, who just started in the administrative office at the beginning of the year.

As for what he is most looking forward to in his new role, Nygaard said he is excited to continue to work with county commissioners and other county employees.

"Everyone works so hard day in and day out to try to keep this county the great place to live that it is. I have really enjoyed getting to know other county employees and I am very grateful to them for sharing their knowledge," Nygaard said.