The search for a new Douglas County emergency management director is progressing slowly.

County leaders say it is intentional.

Teri Smith, who had been assistant director since 1995, is currently in the capacity of acting director.

“I wanted to give a chance to the acting director to demonstrate what she can get done. I know we will be advertising at some point, but the question of how broadly I advertise and what I advertise for, I wanted to see how well she took a hold of the responsibility,” Douglas County Administrator Craig Weinaug said in early April.

The issue at the Douglas County Courthouse gained attention earlier this year when the longtime emergency management director ended her tenure.

Paula Phillips, who held the director’s job for nearly 18 years, resigned unexpectedly in February without public explanation. County Commissioner Jere McElhaney has said Phillips resigned at Weinaug’s request, but Weinaug has called it a personnel matter and refused comment.

Phillips also has not made any public comment.

Jim Denney, director of Douglas County Emergency Communications, has also worked in a supervisory role with the department since Phillips departed.

The department relies heavily on about 100 volunteers, who spot storms and perform other duties for emergency preparedness, to complement a small staff.

Those with full-time careers in the emergency preparedness field say responsibility and pressure on local and county emergency management directors has increased since 9/11.

Those in the position are expected to help prepare for storms and attacks and also responses to a wide range of potential challenging events, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks and even a pandemic flu outbreak. The job requires meeting and planning with leaders of various area governments and organizations on a consistent basis.

County commissioners have said they consider the position important, particularly if a major catastrophic event causes damage in the area.

Smith also has previously said she would formally apply for the position.