County Manager's Office

The County Manager provides the organizational leadership necessary to successfully implement the policy direction of the County Council, communicate that direction to the organization and ensure the efficient, effective and economical delivery of county services to Los Alamos County's citizens. The County Manager is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Los Alamos County Council and is the chief administrative officer, responsible for the administration of all county affairs placed in her charge by state statute, the Charter, county ordinance.

Meet the executive leadership team

Anne Laurent

County Manager

Anne Laurent has served communities in both Arizona and Michigan as Project and Facilities Managers and as a licensed architect, before bringing her breadth of experience to Los Alamos County in 2008. Anne started as the Capital Projects & Facility Director for four years and then became the Community & Economic Development Director, followed by the Public Works Director. She also served as the Acting Deputy County Administrator for a year during that time. In her 16 years working in local government, she earned her MPA from the University of Colorado Denver and has overseen many of our community's largest projects, including the Municipal Building, Pajarito Cliffs Site, the Justice Center, Animal Shelter, White Rock Visitor Center, Nature Center, White Rock Branch Library and Youth Activity Center and the Golf Course Clubhouse, to name a few. Anne was named Deputy County Manager in 2021 and County Manager in March 2024 following the retirement of Steven Lynne. She is an International City Manager Association Credentialed Manager, Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

Her leadership, management and technical expertise has generated positive results and change in the community.

Juan Rael

Deputy County Manager 

Juan Rael, P.E. is an experienced professional with extensive leadership experience across both the public and private sectors. He has been with Los Alamos County since 2018, serving in various roles with increasing responsibility. Prior to being selected as Deputy County Manager, Juan served as the Public Works Director. In this role, he managed a substantial operational budget and a large staff, demonstrating his expertise in team leadership, budget oversight, and community engagement. Prior to joining Los Alamos County, Juan held key positions at the New Mexico Department of Transportation, where he oversaw multi-million-dollar federal and state projects and contributed to the success of several complex initiatives. He previously worked for private engineering firms in Southern California and Albuquerque, where he oversaw several projects at LANL.

Juan is a licensed professional engineer and holds a degree in Civil Engineering. He is committed to continuously improving processes and services for the community. Juan is an active member of several professional organizations and is a graduate of Leadership Los Alamos, reflecting his dedication to both personal and professional development.

Linda Matteson

Deputy County Manager 

Linda Matteson started her career as an engineer working on underwater sonar systems for defense contractor, Northrop Grumman before returning to her hometown of Los Alamos to raise her children. She has worked for Los Alamos County for 15 years now, starting in the Library Administrative office, and working her way up through Community Services before moving to the County Manager's Office as the Assistant to the County Manager. In this role Linda has overseen the establishment of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, has directed the efforts to create and implement the Tourism Strategic Plan, served as the Acting Community Services Director for a year, and the Acting Deputy County Manager since July.

Her unique set of skills and experience, combined with her tenacity in solving multifaceted problems and drive to provide exceptional leadership across the organization are invaluable to Los Alamos County.

Support team

Administrative services

We handle all general public inquiries (in person, on the phone, and through email), schedule County Councilors for public events, prepare Council agendas, and cover all administrative support functions for the team.

Human Resources

Communications & Public Relations

We strive to inform, educate, and involve citizens and employees about county services, projects, initiatives, policies, and goals through a culture of open communication, collaboration, and exceptional customer service. We are responsible for

• Internal and external communications on behalf of the County, County Manager, and County Council
• Graphic design, photography, and videography
• Oversight of the County's web page
• Coordination and public relations joint efforts with other local and regional organizations and agencies (Los Alamos Public Schools, Triad LLC, N3B, LANL, and DOE/NNSA)
• Public relations assistance to the Council's boards and commissions
• Crisis communication during a County emergency situation
• Oversee specific projects and contracts (biennial National Community Survey and National Employee Survey, communication-related policies and plans(PDF, 1MB), media contracts, and online accessibility)

   

Intergovernmental Affairs

We are working with regional municipalities on projects that improve life and the economy for all of northern New Mexico, such as housing projects, collaboration of social services and behavioral health, a regional landfill, transportation networks, and quality of life projects.

Sustainability

We are looking at a broad spectrum of initiatives and projects that promote sustainable living throughout the County, electrification of the County fleet, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and conservation efforts.

Broadband

We are bringing improved reliability and cutting edge speeds to Los Alamos. We are currently building out the community-owned broadband network, Atomic Fiber.