George Teal Named 2026 Douglas County Board Chair, Van Winkle Vice Chair

Douglas County commissioners selected George Teal to serve as chair of the Board of County Commissioners for 2026, with Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle named vice chair, the county announced. The leadership change, effective Jan. 13 and posted by the county Jan. 20, follows the board’s established practice of rotating roles and choosing leaders by majority vote.

Teal represents District II and was elected in November 2020. His background includes prior service on the Castle Rock Town Council, giving him familiarity with municipal concerns that overlap countywide, such as land-use decisions, road and infrastructure planning, and services for rapidly growing communities. Van Winkle’s elevation to vice chair signals continuity among the board’s leadership as commissioners set agendas and steer budget and policy work through the year.

The announcement also noted that Commissioner Abe Laydon will serve as chair of the Metro Area County Commissioners in 2026. Laydon’s concurrent regional role could create opportunities for Douglas County to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions on shared challenges like transportation planning, emergency services, and water resources. County leadership positions are procedural, yet they matter because chairs and vice chairs help set meeting priorities, allocate committee assignments, and represent the county in intergovernmental forums.

For residents, the change in chairmanship means the board’s early-year agenda and public hearings will be shaped by commissioners who carry local experience and municipal ties. Issues that frequently come before the board - including development approvals, budget deliberations, and public-safety funding - will be scheduled and moderated under the new leadership. Those who track specific cases or want to weigh in on county policy can monitor board agendas and materials as the chair establishes priorities for 2026.

The county’s announcement included a link to biographies of elected officials, offering a resource for residents who want background on each commissioner’s experience and committee assignments. While this leadership rotation is routine, it is a practical reminder that local governance depends on officials who balance town and county perspectives.

As the board moves into the new year, expect meeting agendas to reflect projects and hearings influenced by the chair and vice chair’s priorities, and look for opportunities to engage through public comment at scheduled sessions. The county’s leadership slate sets the tone for how Douglas County navigates growth, services, and regional partnerships in 2026.