Breaking News

David White Appointed Interim County Manager for Montrose County
July 16, 2025

Montrose County Commissioners voted 2-1 to appoint David White, a former County Commissioner, City Councilman, and Mayor, as interim County Manager for a 90-day term, reflecting confidence in his extensive experience in local governance and business leadership. Commissioner Sue Hansen dissented. White succeeds interim County Manager Leslie Quon, who resigned amid controversy, during a period of significant administrative turnover in Montrose County.

A Seasoned Leader with Deep Community Roots

David White has been a fixture in Montrose’s civic landscape for over two decades. Originally from Colorado Springs, he and his family have called Montrose home since the early 2000s. He served on the Montrose City Council from 2004 to 2008, including as Mayor from 2007 to 2008 during the economic recession, and as a Montrose County Commissioner from 2009 to 2017, chairing the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for five years. His tenure included notable achievements in infrastructure and public services, as highlighted in a 2017 Montrose Daily Press interview.

Beyond elected office, White’s involvement in community organizations reflects his commitment to collaboration and growth in Montrose. In a 2020 Montrose Daily Press interview, he emphasized finding “common ground,” stating, “I’m really interested in my community, and we all come from different places.” This philosophy shapes his governance approach, prioritizing public safety, welfare, and fiscal responsibility.

White’s extensive business background informs his advocacy for practical, citizen-focused governance. During his 2020 City Council campaign, he prioritized securing basic community needs over ambitious projects, a perspective likely influencing the BOCC’s decision to appoint him interim County Manager. His business acumen is expected to stabilize Montrose County amid its challenges.

Context of the Appointment

Montrose County’s administration has faced significant upheaval in 2025, marked by high-profile resignations and controversies. In April, former County Manager Frank Rodriguez resigned, citing a “misalignment of cultural values” with Commissioners Scott Mijares and Sean Pond. Leslie Quon, who served as interim County Manager, resigned on July 7, 2025, alleging a hostile work environment and fear of retaliation, particularly from Commissioner Mijares, though she remained County HR Director, prompting questions about her claims. Each Board of County Commissioners has the authority to select a manager aligned with its vision, contributing to these transitions.

The BOCC’s rejection of their sole finalist for permanent County Manager, Texas attorney Bradley Mitchell, reportedly due to salary disputes, prolonged the leadership vacuum. According to KKCO and KJCT news reports, Commissioners Sue Hansen and Sean Pond declined to negotiate Mitchell’s counteroffer, while Mijares believed a compromise was possible. These events, alongside a recall effort against Mijares, have intensified public scrutiny. The “Recall Scott Mijares Committee” claims over $500,000 in taxpayer funds were spent on severance packages and legal fees, though county officials counter that the costs were contractually obligated for two employees and significantly lower than estimated.

Against this backdrop, White’s appointment offers stability. The 2-1 vote (Mijares and Pond in favor, Hansen dissenting) reflects ongoing BOCC divisions, but White’s reputation and experience position him as a consensus figure capable of bridging gaps during this turbulent period.

White’s Priorities and Vision

White’s interim role will likely focus on restoring stability and trust in county operations. His 2009–2017 tenure as a commissioner equips him to manage BOCC responsibilities, including overseeing budgets, appointing community boards, and approving resolutions and ordinances. He championed improvements at Montrose Regional Airport, such as terminal expansion and runway upgrades, and advanced the county’s Health and Human Services through the West Central Public Health Partnership, as detailed in a 2017 Montrose Daily Press article.

In his 2020 City Council campaign, White advocated cautious governance, prioritizing “public safety and welfare” over less critical initiatives. This approach aligns with Montrose County’s current needs. During his 90-day term, he is expected to address operational challenges and ensure continuity in projects like the Montrose County Historic Courthouse renovation.

Community Reaction and Expectations

White’s long tenure in local government and community involvement make him a familiar and trusted figure among residents and leaders. His interim role supports the BOCC’s search for a permanent County Manager, with applications open until August 14, 2025. White’s leadership will be critical in maintaining operational continuity during this evaluation period.

Looking Ahead

David White’s appointment as interim County Manager marks the return of a seasoned public servant with deep Montrose ties. His extensive local government experience and pragmatic approach position him to stabilize operations and facilitate a smooth transition to permanent leadership. The next 90 days will test White’s ability to unify a divided BOCC and restore confidence among staff and residents. His track record of prioritizing community needs and fostering collaboration equips him to guide Montrose County through this transition, potentially paving the way for a more stable administration.