County attorney resigns
EAGLE COUNTY ” The county government’s top legal counsel has announced she is leaving her post at the end of the month.
In a statement, County Attorney Diane Mauriello cited her need to spend more time with family as the reason for her departure.
“The decision to leave the county is a personal one,” Mauriello said in the statement. “My goal is to add some balance to my life. I plan to spend more time with my husband and my parents, who recently retired to Eagle County.”
Mauriello has been with the county since 2001 and has been the director of the county attorney’s department since 2002. She has been the third person to hold the position in five years.
Her announcement comes just three months after longtime County Administrator Jack Ingstad’s resignation.
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Since January, the county has had several changes in department leadership. The communications manager slot has been empty since the end of March, a new animal control manager was hired earlier this summer and a new human resources director was hired about a month ago.
The county also is looking for a new director for the facilities management department, which oversees and maintains all county-owned and operated buildings. Turnover in Eagle County has been higher than surrounding counties.
The County Attorney’s Office represents the Board of County Commissioners on all legal matters including the preparation of legal contracts, and the prosecution and defense of lawsuits by or against the county.
“Working for the county has been a truly unique opportunity which has allowed me to work on a wide variety of legal issues,” Mauriello said. “There are few organizations in which an attorney has the opportunity to work on matters from land use and affordable housing to airport law.”
Mauriello will be difficult to replace, said Keith Montag, acting county administrator and director of the county’s community development department.
“Diane has been, and still is, a valuable asset to the organization given her extensive insight and understanding of county issues,” she said. “She is a very dedicated individual and will truly be missed.”
The county attorney reports directly to the commissioners. The board will determine how to fill Mauriello’s position in the coming weeks, Montag said.
“The attorney’s office has an excellent staff and they will fulfill their duties in a very professional manner,” he said.
The three commissioners praised Mauriello for her work, noting that Mauriello and the rest of the attorney’s office work long hours to get the job done.
“The county is truly fortunate to have such hard working and talented lawyers at its disposal,” said Commissioner Peter Runyon. “Working with Diane has been like working with a personal friend.”
Staff Writer Tamara Miller can be reached at 949-0555, ext. 607, or tmiller@vaildaily.com.
Vail, Colorado
