Doña Ana County and the City of Las Cruces recently designated Amanda Bowen as the new Emergency Manager for the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), following the promotion of the former manager, Stephen Lopez, to Assistant County Manager. Bowen, who has been functioning as Interim Emergency Manager since May 2024, steps into her new role with years of dedicated service under her belt.
During her tenure at OEM, Bowen has not just filled her days with the requisite tasks and duties. Still, her hands have also molded the response to some of the most pressing crises facing the region she coordinated shelter operations amid the 2019 migrant crisis, managed the local trenches in the battle against COVID-19 in 2020 and when the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority water system faced peril, Bowen was there with assistance at hand. Her commitment to her work hasn't slipped the notice of her peers; she's been acknowledged with the title of Emergency Management Support Staff Member of 2024 by the New Mexico Association of Emergency Management Professionals.
Stephen Lopez had high praise for Bowen, stating, "Amanda Bowen is one of the most competent emergency managers Doña Ana County has ever had," according to Doña Ana County. He added, "She has demonstrated her abilities and leadership during multiple incidents including the recent Ruidoso fires. She is more than ready to lead, and the County is in excellent hands."
Bowen's educational background compliments her field experience, with a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University enriching her credentials as she takes on new responsibilities and expands the scope of her leadership and, beyond question, considering the depth of her experience, the broad spectrum of challenges she's tackled, and the accolades she's garnered, Bowen stands out as a seasoned professional ready to guide the OEM into future emergencies with a steady hand and a clear vision.
