After a months-long search, Johnson County Government is pleased to announce Julie Karins as deputy county manager. Her first day with the county is Monday, Feb. 27.

Karins replaces Maury Thompson who left Johnson County for a new position in November 2022. She will oversee multiple departments and agencies to ensure effective and efficient delivery of programs and services for residents. She will also act as county manager in Penny Postoak Ferguson’s absence.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to work for a quality organization,” said Karins.

Karins comes to Johnson County with 23 years of local government experience both at the county and city levels, with 12 of those years at the top of her organizations. Her most recent role was city manager of Goodyear, Arizona, which is the ninth fastest growing community in the country.

She also served as the deputy city manager for Peoria, Arizona and the county administrator for Yavapai County, Arizona, where she began her public service career as Yavapai County’s director of human resources and risk management.

“I was impressed by her skill set, ability to successfully navigate complex situations, the depth of her experience and her positive energy,” said County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson. “I look forward to working with Julie to continue to make Johnson County a top community for our residents to live, work and raise families.”

Karins has a master’s degree in public administration and a designation as an ICMA credentialed manager. Under her leadership, the city of Goodyear accomplished major capital projects including a new recreation campus, two fire stations, a city hall with a library, as well as added more than 11,000 jobs to the community.

Prior to her 23-year public service career, Karins worked as a human resources assistant director or director for seven years in the private sector. Her numerous skills include building relationships, achieving consensus and using sound judgment to solve problems.

Karins has three adult children who live in the Kansas City metro and is excited to join them here.