Michael Townsend was named administrator of Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, Phoenix, confirmed Christian Palmer, spokesman for the $10.5 billion retirement system, in an email.
Effective Dec. 2, Mr. Townsend will replace Jared A. Smout, who was terminated in July. Mr. Smout had been on administrative leave since April, following sexual and other workplace harassment allegations filed by a former employee.
Bret Parke, the system's assistant administrator and general counsel, had been interim administrator since April, when Mr. Smout was put on administrative leave.
Mr. Townsend was county finance officer and deputy manager of Coconino County in Arizona. His two positions "will be open for recruitment within the coming month," said a county news release Monday.
