Douglas County’s second-in-command is retiring at the end of the year.

As assistant county administrator, Pam Madl oversees the internal workings of the county and its 450 employees.

Madl started working for the county in 1986 as the administrative assistant to the county counselor. She went on to become the personnel director and then developed and ran the administrative services department. In 2005, her title changed to assistant county administrator, but her responsibilities remained the same.

Over the years, Madl has created a purchasing department, refined the county’s personnel policy and put together a comprehensive capital improvement plan.

“There are significant losses in losing someone with that much experience,” Douglas County Administrator Craig Weinaug said of Madl’s pending departure. “But there is also the potential for doing new things.”

The county has begun advertising for the position both online and in publications with the International City/County Managers Association. So far the county has received more than 50 applications.

Madl hopes to have at least two weeks to prep her replacement.

The county is looking for someone with a master’s degree in public administration, at least five years of experience in progressive public management and experience with project management and budget and finance development.

Madl, who is 61, said it will be hard to leave.

“I’ve made great friendships and working relationships,” she said. “But it’s time for me to move on to the next stage of my life.”