Las Cruces, NM – The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to terminate the employment contract of County Manager Scott Andrews, effective immediately.

The special meeting agenda, which included a possible closed session to discuss “a limited personnel matter related to the County Manager,” led to the unanimous decision in open session. Andrews was terminated without cause. Per the terms of his contract and a signed separation agreement, he will receive six months of salary.

County officials stated that the Board will now focus on determining next steps for leadership. Additional information will be shared with the public as it becomes available.

Andrews’ Background

Scott Andrews was appointed County Manager on August 13, 2024, by the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners. At the time of his hiring, the county highlighted his more than 21 years of experience in public sector administration. Andrews brought extensive expertise in:

• Economic development

• Quality of life initiatives

• Community relations

• Consensus building

• Modernization of municipal organizations

His termination comes less than two years into his tenure.

The agenda for the special meeting held at 2:30 p.m. in the Doña Ana County Government Center (845 North Motel Boulevard, Las Cruces) followed standard protocol, including invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call, before addressing the personnel matter.

This leadership change affects one of southern New Mexico’s largest counties, which serves a diverse and growing population along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Board of Commissioners has not yet announced an interim manager or a timeline for a permanent replacement.

Alamogordo Town News will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as more information is released by the county

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