Pueblo West Metro District's Nina Vetter steps down as district manager, Harley Gifford named interim

Alexis Smith, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.
·2 min read

May 6—Pueblo West Metro District Manager Nina Vetter announced her resignation on May 5.

Vetter has served the district since 2019, and her last day will be June 11.

Vetter will be moving to Gresham, Oregon to serve as its City Manager.

In Vetter's two years with the district, she said she believes that progress on important initiatives have been made and community engagement has increased; she credits the team she's worked with for that.

"We have a great team here in Pueblo West," Vetter said. "We have made a lot of progress on the fire sales tax, building Fire Station 2. We have also made terrific progress on the aquatic center which was a voter approved initiative that has been in the works for many years.

"We were able to launch 'Planning Pueblo West's Future' which continues to move forward. So, I think in the last few years with this terrific team, we have made a lot of forward progress."

For Vetter, the highlights of her career with the district are the connections she made within the community and the team she has worked with over the past two years.

"I've personally enjoyed being able to work with this great staff who work very hard and are very dedicated," Vetter said. "I've also enjoyed being a part of the community, working really closely with Pueblo County, our Pueblo West Chamber of Commerce. All of the relationships that I have built — I just appreciate the community welcoming me and spending time with the people here in Pueblo West."

In a press release from the district, Board President, Doug Proal said he knew Vetter was a rising star when she was hired, noting that she will be missed.

"This is a great opportunity for her to move her career forward," Proal said in the press release. "She will be sadly missed here in Pueblo West and the community of Pueblo as a whole. I wish her all the success in the world."

The district Board of Directors plan to host a recruitment process to find a replacement for Vetter. Until then, Harley Gifford, General Counsel has been selected as interim District Manager.

Vetter had words of advice for anyone considering applying for her position, again noting the terrific team she's been able to work with.

"We have a great team and a great leadership team here at Pueblo West," Vetter said. "So, I think Pueblo West Metro District is poised to move the organization and community forward. It's a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in the position, it would be a really great experience."

Chieftain and Pueblo West View reporter Alexis Smith can be reached by email at asmith@chieftain.com or on Twitter @smith_alexis27.