New county public services director hired

Staff Writer

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Former Chaves County Jail Administrator Sandra Stewart is the new public services director for Curry County.

Curry County Manager Lance Pyle announced the new hire at the Curry County Commission regular meeting Tuesday morning.

Pyle said Stewart will assist in the overall management of the county and will directly oversee the adult and juvenile detention centers, the safety department, the maintenance department and grants.

“I hope that I can help your current department heads to continue to do the jobs that they are doing well, and maybe give themsome skills and direction to make their jobs a little bit easier,” Stewart said to the commission. “I certainly think you have some fine employees in Curry County, and really what I want to do is just be a complement to them.”

Pyle said Stewart brings “a lot of skills, knowledge, and expertise to the county,” to include two years as the statewide director of juvenile justice, twelve years as the detention center administrator for Chaves County, a certification as a jail manager from the American Jail Association, a master’s degree in criminal justice, and 10 years working as a legal assistant.

Pyle said under Stewart’s leadership, Chaves County’s jail was the first facility in the state to be accredited.

“She does come with a lot of experience, and I am real excited,” Pyle said. “So tomorrow we will welcome Ms. Sandra Stewart to Curry County.”

“I’m looking forward to it — I’m excited,” Stewart said.