It’s hard to believe that Coconino County is larger than Switzerland, but according to Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen, it is.

Bertelsen recently assumed the role following the retirement of longtime Coconino County Commissioner Steve Peru, and will oversee county services spanning more than 18,600 square miles from the Grand Canyon to Sedona.

““This is a dream in the making,” he said.

Bertelsen is not new to northern Arizona. He served as an intern for the Coconino County Board of Supervisors 25 years ago.

“I lived in Flagstaff for five years and worked for the city of Sedona. I was a planner and assistant to the city manager there. Meanwhile, the Yamate improvement project was in its early stages. I moved back to Coconino County in 2005, just before my first son was born. I was a budget manager for three years. Opportunities opened up in public works, so I became director of public works. ”

Next up for Bertelsen was the opportunity to take the position of Public Works Director for the City of Flagstaff. “We are truly fortunate to be a part of the new public works facility on West Route 66.”

“Andy and I both began our careers with the county nearly 20 years ago and have worked closely together through wildfires, floods, and many other challenges,” said Coconino County Deputy County Commissioner and Flood Control District Manager. said Lucinda Andreani. “I am truly looking forward to watching him step into this important role. He brings his passion for serving others, his love for Coconino County, and his personal warmth and compassion to his extensive experience and I am honored to work with him and bring the knowledge he brings to advancing the county’s mission.”

Hailing from the rural area of ​​Seton, Illinois, Bertelsen’s family were farmers. He studied political science and public administration at Augustana University and continued to play football throughout his college years. “During college, I worked as a recreation leader for the Chicago Park District.”

After college, Bertelsen attended graduate school at the University of Iowa and earned a master’s degree in urban and regional planning.

While interning, Bertelsen began tracking the work of Arizona state legislation, including the Growing Smarter Initiative and the Arizona Preserve Initiative. “I feel fortunate to have been able to work on some of these initiatives early in my career, as that was the beginning of the Coconino Parks and Open Spaces initiative, which had a huge impact on our local community. It now includes several improvements to Louise Yellowman Park in Tuba City, the Rogers Lake Natural Area near Woody Mountain Road, and Fort Tuthill County Park, and is a highly successful project. There are parks throughout Coconino County, including the Pepsi Amphitheater.”

“Andy has demonstrated great ability in handling his work and is a very professional, inquisitive, personable and easy person to work with,” said Darrin Womble, Coconino County Superior Court Security Officer. said. “I think he’s going to do a good job, and I think he brings the mindset that he’s brought to Coconino County, as an organization, very family-oriented, very community-service oriented.”

In January 2010, Flagstaff was buried under record snowfall, and in June, devastating fires broke out. “We called it ‘Snowmagdon.’ And on Father’s Day that year, I was returning from a Williams camping trip with my kids and witnessed the beginnings of the Schultz Fire. Wildfire Effects As a result, there have been major changes in our community and county. It has had a huge impact on some of our closest friends. Some people have lost.”

The county was able to secure funding through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and other funding mechanisms to begin building infrastructure to manage post-wildfire flooding east of Flagstaff. “We learned a lot from these devastating events and were able to provide our expertise to other parts of the country,” Bertelsen said.

““Andy knows the county well,” said Peru, who plans to remain with the county to support Bertelsen and his team and work on some special projects. “He knows the neighborhood, the community and the organization very well. Considering all these positives, the board [Coconino County Supervisors] We made the right choice in appointing Andy to this position. ”

Bertelsen and his wife Lexia, a nurse, have six children. “I have four sons and two daughters ranging in age from seventh grade to sophomore year of college,” he said. “They make life fun. I’m happy to be turning 50 on Election Day.”

my perfect day

You will spend your time enjoying the scenery outside. Coconino County is truly blessed with the opportunity to be out in the Coconino County community, visit and work with employees, friends, residents, business owners, and community members while admiring the county’s landscape. It provides us with an environment in which to spend time. As a backdrop for conservation work, it would be the perfect setting for a day. We are lucky to live in such diverse beauty, and the best days are the days when we walk among it.

my favorite meal

All of my meals were my favorites. The Navajo tacos of northern Arizona are special to us, as is the pie after the train ride to the Grand Canyon. There are plenty of places where you can get a delicious breakfast, but adding a second pancake to your order is a guilty pleasure. So many local businesses put their heart and soul into what they prepare and what they serve. I think it’s all expressed as our local soul and local flavor.

places to go to relax

Well, my family is incredibly active, so I can’t say it’s a relaxing version for everyone, but home is where I go to rekindle the fire that I need for this work. You have to consciously tell yourself to take a moment, disconnect, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the calm moment. Our home is our hearth, and this is where we create space to restore energy to ourselves.

my superpower

perspective. Yes, we have gained knowledge by seeking perspective, but the best way to gain perspective is to live within the experiences we share. As we face trials and tribulations as individuals and collectively as a community, finding and maintaining a positive perspective becomes a necessary element in moving forward. we will find a solution. As a community, we come together to meet challenges.

my guilty pleasure

I love listening to music and studying. I don’t play music or write lyrics, but I love playing music and I love visiting with people who play music. In our 25 years in Northern Arizona, great musicians have always lived here and passed through here. It’s great to see the music and arts scene continue to grow in our community. FBN

V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney: Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen leads the county with knowledge, experience and compassion for people and communities.