El Paso County, Colorado, January 13, 2026 – The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners has selected its leadership for 2026. Commissioner Carrie Geitner, District 2, will continue serving as chair, and Commissioner Lauren Nelson, District 5, has been elected vice chair. The board expressed appreciation to Commissioner Holly Williams, District 1, for her service as vice chair last year. Williams is term-limited and entering her final year on the board.
The chair and vice chair are chosen annually by a vote of the board. The chair presides over meetings and together the leadership team sets meeting agendas. These appointments take effect immediately.
Geitner’s reelection provides continuity as the board addresses key issues affecting El Paso County residents. Now in her fifth year of service and elected as chair for a third time, she maintains strong leadership and institutional knowledge to focus the work of the board. In addition to other commissioner responsibilities, Geitner serves as the board’s state legislative liaison. She represents El Paso County’s priorities at the state level, particularly as mandates and decisions impact the funding, services, and programs that support the community.
Nelson joined the board in 2025 to represent District 5 and has already gained recognition for her leadership and results-oriented approach. She has experience in budget oversight from her time as treasurer on the Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education. Her private-sector background as a food scientist includes work in project management, product development, and operational efficiency. Nelson is enthusiastic about improving governance to best serve the people and protect individual rights and safety. She has earned the respect of her colleagues through her thoughtful approach and commitment to public service.
With leadership established, commissioners will focus on key priorities including public safety, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, infrastructure investment, and policies that support a strong business climate, private property rights, and transparent governance.
“I’m grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to continue serving as chair,” Geitner said. “I look forward to serving with Vice Chair Nelson. She has already made a strong impact, and it’s clear she brings leadership and a results-driven perspective to the board. Together with our fellow commissioners, we’ll continue making decisions that best serve the people of El Paso County.”
“I’m honored to be selected by my fellow commissioners to serve as vice chair,” Nelson said. “In this new role, I’m committed to working with my colleagues to lead with integrity, build on the county’s momentum, and deliver results that reflect the values and priorities of our community.”
The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners is responsible for setting policy, land use decisions, and overseeing county operations, including the adoption of the annual county budget—$532.3 million in 2026. In addition, commissioners represent the county on various boards and committees that address regional priorities, including the El Paso County Board of Health, Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority, Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, and Regional Building.
More information is available at https://bocc.elpasoco.com.
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