Vancouver, WA – Acting County Manager Mark McCauley has named Bob Stevens as the county’s first deputy county manager under the home rule charter approved by voters in November. The charter states that the county manager must appoint a deputy to serve in the absence of the county manager. McCauley said Stevens also will direct the county’s General Services department, which was headed by McCauley before he became county administrator in 2013 and acting county manager Jan. 1. Stevens joined the county in 2001. He has been budget manager since 2013 and previously served as a budget analyst and finance manager. He held similar positions with the city of Gresham for eight years. “Bob has a great understanding of the county’s organization, administration and responsibilities after developing and implementing budgets countywide,” McCauley said. “He also has been deeply involved in General Services for more than 10 years, which gives him insight to oversee the diverse functions of that department.” General Services includes purchasing, facilities management, risk management, indigent defense, telecommunications, mailing, printing, records, property management, fairgrounds site management and other functions. The department will be expanded to include county budget staff, McCauley said. Stevens earned a bachelor’s degree in political science/policy analysis at Montana State University. He also holds an associate degree in criminal justice from the College of Great Falls. He served 14 years in the U.S. Air Force before completing his education. “I look forward to an expanded role in county leadership,” said Stevens. “This is a pivotal time to introduce and implement our new charter, which will create the framework for our future.”