Breckenridge is slated to get a new town manager in December as current manager Rick Holman retires. Deputy town manager Shannon Haynes is set to assume the role Dec. 19. 

Haynes said spending the last seven-plus years as the deputy town manager and working with Holman has given her first-hand insight into what the role requires. Council members expressed they do not think they could have found someone better fit for the job in statement that was read at the Oct. 24 Breckenridge Town Council meeting.

Haynes brings a unique resume to the table having both worked in town government and law enforcement.

She worked for the Breckenridge Police Department from 2008-2016 and held the positions of sergeant, commander and chief. She noted that this position helped her understanding of the values the Breckenridge community holds.

“I was offered chances to be involved in projects that impacted the community (i.e. sale of marijuana, implementation of on-street paid parking) and to engage with community members to hear and understand their concerns,” Haynes wrote in an email. 

Hailing from Connecticut, Haynes said she fell in love with Breckenridge on a family vacation. She began her career in law enforcement in 1994 with Winchester Police Department in Connecticut before moving on to Windsor Police Department in Connecticut. In 2008 she found her way to Colorado. Her family has stayed in Breckenridge since 2008 — her children went to Breckenridge Elementary and graduated from Summit High School.

“I’ve spent my entire career developing leadership skills — a lifelong, ongoing process,” Haynes said. 

She holds a master’s degree in criminal justice, with a focus on leadership and executive management. She has also completed the certified public management program at University of Colorado Denver. 

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Haynes explained her first priority will be to ensure a seamless transition. She plans to build on the work of Rick Holman, who she said has done a wonderful job advancing the Town Council’s goals and initiatives.

“There is no question that workforce housing is the top priority in our community,” Haynes said.  

She explained Breckenridge has projects in various states of completion and is currently working on a plan to build additional for-sale housing on Airport Road. Haynes further noted she plans to keep a focus on sustainability and equity across the board in the town’s work.