Newsmaker Q&A: Director maps course for new Larimer position

FORT COLLINS – Although Larimer County’s search for its first community development director ended in the bayous of Louisiana, Robert “Terry” Gilbert isn’t unfamiliar with the land, people and issues of Colorado’s Front Range urban corridor.

Gilbert, of Mandeville, La., began work April 15 in the county’s newly defined role. The position formerly was called “planning director” and was held by Linda Hoffmann until she was appointed county manager last summer. Russ Legg served as planning director in the interim. Larimer County broadened the position’s scope and changed its title to reflect the connection between planning and zoning, code compliance and rural land use.

Selected from a field of 55 applicants from around the nation, Gilbert will draw an annual salary of $108,000.

He talked with the Business Report about the challenges he’ll face.

Question: What exactly is the charge of the community development director and what will that look like practically?

Answer: Community Development is based on connecting, consulting and collaborating with all community members in order to build and strengthen the community. The Larimer County community has matured, and quality-of-life issues have progressed such that expanding the influence of the Planning and Building Services Division into a Community Development Division is the next step in improving services and quality of life in Larimer County.

The role of the community development director is currently being formulated and will utilize the previous responsibilities of the Planning and Building Services Director, as the core of the new responsibilities associated with the community development director. The additional duties will include issues such as economic development, transportation planning, community involvement, etc., and functioning as an ombudsman to assist the public and customers, of the county, concerning those issues related to community development.

In addition to the daily activities of the division, there are three primary tasks, which the position has been charged with: re-evaluation of the comprehensive plan, in particular concerning rural issues; conversion of the existing data storage system into a new data-management system; and to focus on and address long-term quality-of-life issues for the community.

Q: You moved all the way from Louisiana for this job. What is your previous experience with Larimer County and what made you want to work here?

A: Actually, I was only in Louisiana for four years, while I worked on a major contract associated with the new Regional VA Medical Center and LSU Medical Center, both of which are located in New Orleans.

I graduated from high school in Weld County and have always wanted to return to Colorado. I enjoy working with the citizens, in assisting them through the processes associated with community development and maximizing their involvement in local government.

Although I have not had experience in Larimer County, I have held similar positions in two counties in Florida, one of which is very similar in size and population to Larimer County.

Q: What do you think made you stand out among the other competitors for the job?

A: I have a unique background with significant experience in local government, federal government, and the private sector. My experience encompasses virtually every major area of local government. I understand both sides of the fence, public service and private sector.

In my career, I have established two separate county community development/economic development organizations and reorganized a city community development organization. All were done with the intent to streamline processes, improve efficiencies and improve customer service while creating a people-friendly work environment.

I am a leader/manager who believes in empowerment of the staff and providing a learning environment with positive reinforcement.

Throughout my career I have encouraged public input into the government processes. I feel it is best to resolve issues up front, before the mandatory regulated process starts.

Q: How will your experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers be a benefit to your position with Larimer County?

A: The military experience, which includes the Corps of Engineers in both combat engineers and the civil engineering side, has provided me with both management and leadership skills. Additionally, I perform exceptionally well in a crisis or emergency and have a proven record during dozens of hurricanes, flood events and military situations.

Furthermore, the experience has enhanced my ability to brief and work with, leadership at all levels.

Q: What can we expect to see from the Planning and Building Services Division under your leadership?

A: The division will be more involved with the public and, especially with the rural community. Additionally, the division will provide even better customer service and work with the citizens of Larimer County to increase their involvement in enhancing the community.

– Dallas Heltzell

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