Betsy Keller didn’t set out to one day oversee more than 3,000 county staff across 21 departments when she applied for her first job in local government.
Keller thought she was applying for a court clerkship — but the ad was mislabeled, and it turned out to be a city clerk position. She got the job and, along with it, a dedication to public service that has spanned nearly 30 years, culminating in her current role as chief administrator for El Paso County, Texas. Smart Cities Dive is recognizing her impact with a Smart Cities Dive Public Service Award.
Since taking over the chief administrator role in 2016, after serving as human resources director and assistant county administrator, Keller played a pivotal role in establishing the county’s first-ever strategic plan, one of her proudest accomplishments to date.
“It has resulted in so many positive outcomes, from better wages to more parks,” Keller said. “These were all ideas our governing body had, but we took them from ideas to collective vision to action.”
The strategic plan’s goals include investing in infrastructure, strengthening the county’s financial health and optimizing internal operations and processes, according to Keller. The county’s building modernization plan, an effort to upgrade 30 county facilities for energy and cost efficiency, hits all three objectives.
The first phase of the modernization project is expected to trim annual energy use by 23%, save 48 million gallons of water and reduce water waste by 25%. The program is projected to save the county $40 million over the next 20 years.
“Under Betsy’s leadership, El Paso County is not just maintaining public facilities, it is elevating them for the next generation of residents and workers,” wrote Greg Knudson of Schneider Electric in nominating Keller for the Smart Cities Public Service Award. Schneider is partnering with the county in the modernization effort.
Keller said the county is now working to build trust around the modernization project. The best way to do that? “Persistence,” she said.
“But also part of it is, OK, what if it doesn’t work out, what do we have to lose? Being honest and forthcoming about that” is critical, she said. “Use your team, use your resources and be in front of your governing body; have one-on-one meetings, group meetings, listen to them and help them reach collective decisions on their vision and move it forward.”
“El Pasoans deserve it”
Keller lauded her staff for helping to get projects off the ground and credited El Paso County Commissioners for wanting what’s best for the county and being open to new ideas.
“I try to lead with both grace and grit and push further,” Keller said. “My team hears me say this all the time: El Pasoans deserve it.”
El Paso County Commissioner Jackie Butler said Keller’s devotion to the county “is reflected in everything she does.”
"Betsy’s leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service have left an immeasurable impact on El Paso County,” Butler said in an email to Smart Cities Dive. “Everyone at the national level recognizes her as one of the finest county administrators in the country, but those of us who have had the privilege to work alongside her know her not only for her expertise, but for the care she brings to this community every day.”
Keller, who broke barriers as the county’s first female chief administrator, said she has had numerous mentors while working her way through the ranks of county government. At a time when public divisiveness seemed to be growing, she said, her mentors taught her to “take the high road.”
“Make it about the people” is one of her mottos, she said.
El Paso County has a population of nearly 900,000, but its seamless border with Juárez, Mexico, gives it a rich culture closer to 2 million people, according to Keller.
“We’re binational, which we’re very fortunate to be,” Keller said. “We value family, and we value people; it’s a very warm and welcoming culture. It’s progressive, and it’s a lot larger than most people realize.”
To remain at the top of her game, Keller is an active member of the International City/County Management Association, and she advises other local government leaders to learn from one another. The strategic plan for El Paso County was built in part by reviewing plans in other cities and counties, she said.
“We’re open books; we want to see each other succeed,” she said of public sector leaders.
With the county’s modernization projects on track, Keller is not slowing down. Three major bond propositions containing 21 new capital improvement projects for the community passed earlier this year, she said.
While fate may have initially brought her into local government, Keller’s own persistence and love for the county has enabled her to continue to thrive in it.
“It’s not like any other place,” she said, “and it’s because of the people.”
