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Board appoints David Gerard to Douglas County Veterans Service Office; commissioners praise expansion of paid staff
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution appointing David Gerard as a salaried veteran service officer; county and Gerard noted the move expands services beyond volunteer staffing.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 2 to appoint David Gerard to the Veterans Service Office, converting a previously volunteer-supported role into a paid veteran service officer position.
Chris Mays, Veterans Service Office supervisor, told the board Gerard has more than six years’ experience serving veterans in Arapahoe and Douglas counties and had previously volunteered for Douglas County for more than four years.
"It's a big pleasure for us to welcome him back," Mays said while presenting the resolution. "We decided to ask him to come back, and this time, not as a volunteer."
David Gerard addressed the board before the vote and thanked the commissioners for creating a salaried position. "I just wanna say that it's great to be back," Gerard said. "I commend the commissioners on their elevated commitment to the veterans by making this a salaried position. It's wonderful to be able to assist veterans in our community and their dependents."
Commissioners highlighted the county's intent to improve services by funding staff rather than relying only on volunteers. "A lot of counties are not extending, even part-time, positions to their veteran service office," a commissioner said, noting that professional staff can deliver higher service levels than volunteer-only offices.
The motion to approve the appointment carried unanimously. The board announced the motion as carried unanimously; the transcript did not show a roll-call count.
No public comments on the appointment were offered during the meeting. The resolution takes effect Sept. 2, 2025, and the Veterans Service Office will proceed with onboarding as a salaried position, as discussed.
