Pima County Names Carmine DeBonis New Administrator
A lifetime dedicated to Pima County has led Carmine DeBonis Jr. to the job of jobs for county employees – Pima County Administrator.
The Board of Supervisors at its Oct. 27 meeting voted 5-0 to hire DeBonis, replacing Jan Lesher, who is retiring Jan. 7, 2027. The administrator is a contract employee reporting directly to the board. His first day as administrator will be Jan. 8, 2027.
DeBonis, 59, started work for the county in 1991 as an aide to then District 3 Supervisor Ed Moore, and worked his way up to Deputy County Administrator in 2016. As a deputy administrator, he has provided administrative oversight to 15 of the 34 county departments, many of which were part of the Public Works division.
Lesher in February announced her intent to retire at the end of 2026, and the board began a national search in April, eventually receiving more than 70 applications.
“The administrator is the most important appointed official in the county. The administrator is the fulcrum upon which the entire county balances,” Board Chair Jennifer Allen said. “We spent nearly a year searching for an experienced, thoughtful, and skilled person who will continue to move this county forward; who will continue to protect our most vulnerable lands; who will ensure safety and stability for our most vulnerable people; and who’ll protect our taxpayers by seeking innovations to make our government as efficient and accessible as possible.
“Today’s vote is a validation of that search. Carmine DeBonis was the best candidate, and received unanimous support from the board of supervisors and that’s why he is the next county administrator. I look forward to working with him in the years ahead,” she said.
The board last week selected DeBonis after interviewing three finalists picked by a citizen search committee – DeBonis, an applicant from Olympia, Wash., and an assistant town manager from Gilbert. The board is expected to vote on his employment contract at its Nov. 10 meeting.
“I am grateful to the board of supervisors for the trust they’ve shown in me to provide stability and continuity in county governance and to fulfill the responsibilities of an immense and diverse county,” DeBonis said. “I’ve had a masterful mentor in Jan Lesher and others at the county, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned from them and bring new ideas for helping the board of supervisors achieve the goals of the county as reflected in our strategic plan and the Prosperity, Affordable Housing and One Pima initiatives.”
Innovation, fiscal prudence and a constant search for operational efficiencies have been a hallmark of DeBonis’ career with Pima County. While director of the Development Services Department, DeBonis streamlined the application review and project inspection processes, shortening application response times to just a few days, and introducing the use of cellphone cameras and streaming video to implement virtual inspections, thereby reducing wait times for inspections.
As Deputy County Administrator, among his achievements are championing and shepherding the agreement that led to the Mosaic Quarter project on the south section of the sprawling Kino Sports Complex. Mosaic Quarter, once built out, will be one of the finest sports tournament sites in the country and an economic generator featuring a three-sheet ice complex, a field house, and other similar amenities, along with hotels, restaurants and retail.
DeBonis also is a driving force behind the county’s 10-year plan to repair all unincorporated county roads and keep them repaired. Started in fiscal year 2019, the effort has repaired more than 1,000 miles of road and is on pace for a successful finish.
Other board members echoed Allen’s praise for DeBonis.
“The board engaged in a full-blown search process for a county administrator, our most important employee, for the first time in almost 40 years. It speaks to the breadth of his many qualifications that Carmine DeBonis emerged from this process as our choice,” said District 1 Supervisor Rex Scott. “Mr. DeBonis showed his extensive knowledge of the county’s structure and operations while also laying out a powerful vision for all he wants to do for our constituents. He also committed to being a collaborative and inclusive leader who will encourage others to bring forth their own good ideas. I am proud and happy to work alongside Mr. DeBonis and am excited to see all he will accomplish in this role.”
“Carmine brings not only his years of experience with Pima County and a deep understanding of how our county government works, but also a cool, calm demeanor in the face of any challenge,” said District 2 Supervisor and Board Vice Chair Matt Heinz. “He’ll be able to hit the ground running, and just as importantly, is committed to putting the people of Pima County first. We’re lucky to have him leading our community into the future.”
“Carmine has the knowledge and vision to lead and carry Pima County into its next chapter. His lifelong experience will benefit the entire region, and I look forward to working with him on behalf of county employees and residents,” District 5 Supervisor Andrés Cano said.
Lesher’s contract ends Jan. 7, bringing to a close a long career of government service. A third-generation Tucsonan and graduate of Tucson Magnet High School and the University of Arizona, she worked for the City of Tucson, the state of Arizona, and the federal government before joining the County in 2010. Longtime County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry promoted her to Deputy County Administrator in 2011, and Chief Deputy County Administrator in 2017.
The board asked her to serve as interim county administrator in October 2021 after Huckelberry was severely injured in a car accident. She became county administrator in April 2022 after Huckelberry retired due to his injuries.
Lesher said since she and DeBonis have worked together in county administration for more than a decade, she expects there will be a smooth transition.
“Carmine has dedicated his entire adult life to the service of the people of Pima County. I am overjoyed that his faithful service and deep, unrivaled knowledge of this county and its governance have culminated in his appointment as the 10th Pima County Administrator,” Lesher said. “I would not have been successful in this job without Carmine’s wise advice, coolness under fire, and unwavering support as Deputy County Administrator.”
As DeBonis comes in, the supervisors offered praise for Lesher as she goes out.
Chair Allen:
“I’m not a big crier, but on Jan’s last day, I’m going to cry my eyes out. I know I’m one of her five bosses, but she’s been a mentor to me the past two years as I have learned the ropes of public office and county governance. She is smart, wise, caring, and so hardworking that she is a model of conscientious public service not only for the board but for all county employees. I know she’s looking forward to no more late-night text messages and six-hour board meetings, but I’m going to miss her immensely. I hope I speak for all county residents and county employees when I say, ’Thank you, Jan. Thank you for a life dedicated to serving the public, our state, our country, this county, and this board.”
Supervisor Scott:
“Reflecting on her unparalleled record of service to Pima County, it is no exaggeration to say that Ms. Lesher has had an impact and influence on county government that will endure well beyond the end of her tenure. Her commitment to making the county a place where people want to work has resulted in the enhanced delivery of essential services to our constituents. Ms. Lesher has led in putting in place the county’s first-ever strategic plan, has prioritized public health and safety and has struck the right balance between environmental stewardship and advancing economic growth. She was born and raised in Pima County and few people in its history have done more to make this a better place to live and work. Jan Lesher has shown all of us throughout her extraordinary career how to lead with both purpose and heart.”
Supervisor Heinz:
“Jan Lesher didn’t just lead Pima County, she left it stronger than when she arrived. She built an exceptional leadership team, helped keep our county on solid financial footing and turned ambitious ideas like PEEPS and the Affordable Housing Fund into realities that make a real difference in people’s lives every day. I’ll miss getting to work alongside Jan every day, but I’m excited for her as she starts this next chapter!”
Supervisor Cano:
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jan Lesher for her extraordinary dedication as our county administrator. Jan has led with dignity and devotion throughout her public service, and Pima County residents have been fortunate to be the recipients of her compassion and relentless work ethic.”
Past County Administrators
1971 – Joseph C. Herrick
1972 – Kenneth Scharman
1979 – Craig McDowell
1986 – Jane Verner, Interim
1986 – James Riley
1989 – Enrique Serna
1993 – Manoj Vyas
1993 – Chuck Huckelberry
2022 – Jan Lesher
2026 – Carmine DeBonis Jr.
Photo courtesy Pima County
