Adrian Hedden
Artesia Daily Press
achedden@currentargus.com

Roxann Brannon’s favorite part of her more than decade-long tenure at Eddy County was the people.

As human resources director, Brannon was often the first person new employees of the county met with as they were considered for jobs. Those conservations with newcomers taught her a lot, said Brannon, 63, who retired April 30 after 13 years with Eddy County.

“I am truly honored to have served as the HR director and to have had the opportunity to care for and support all those who walk into this organization,” she said.

Brannon’s retirement was announced April 22 during the regular Eddy County Commission meeting. Also honored at the meeting were Laurie Pruitt, who retired after 14 years at the Treasurer’s Office; Celicia Salcido, retiring after 15 years with the county’s DWI program; and retiree Serapio Valles, who served nine years in the Public Works Department.

Service awards were also presented to longtime employees not retiring: County Assessor Rhonda Hatch for 20 years of service; and Anthony Ponce for 15 years at the Eddy County Detention Center.

‘A coal miner’s daughter’

A native of Grand Junction, Colorado, and “a coal miner’s daughter,” Brannon worked in the construction industry with her husband Charles P. Brannon Jr. through a career that moved them across the country, even to New York City for five years with Shirin Construction, where Roxann Brannon served as an office manager.

She first moved to Carlsbad with her family in 1979 during a boom in potash mining, was married and set out with Charles Brannon for decades before returning to Carlsbad and going to work for the county on Sept. 26, 2011.

Brannon’s time at the county saw rapid changes as Eddy County grew drastically on the heels of several oil and gas booms, causing its population to swell by about 15.8% between 2010 and 2020, according to U.S. Census data – the top growth rate for any county in New Mexico, followed by Lea County at 15%.

That growth meant more workers were hired by the county, more projects undertaken and more businesses in need of oversight coming to Eddy County to cash in on the boom.

“We work in a hard environment in government taking care of everybody,” Brannon said. “It’s about managing people, making sure the other departments have enough employees to take care of the jobs they need and serve the constituents.”

Brannon thanked the county for more than a decade of employment and commended her staff for making the human resources office a success.

“During this time, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful applicants and the privilege of working alongside incredible employees, many of whom were once my mentors as I was coming up through the ranks,” Brannon said. “My appreciation for government workers has only grown through the years. Their genuine care for our constituents and commitment to meeting their needs is something I deeply respect.”

She also said she hoped Eddy County would continue to positively serve its constituents as it deals with further growth in the future.

“I hold a sincere admiration for Eddy County and the important work it does every day to serve our community,” Brannon said. “Eddy County consistently strives to be the best government for everyone who comes through its doors.”