Jeff Martin has been unanimously appointed the new Boulder County coroner by the Board of County Commissioners, filling the vacancy left by Emma Hall in January. Typically an elected position, the coroner vacancy arose after Hall, who had been serving as the coroner since 2011, resigned following the disclosure of workplace investigation that revealed a toxic work environment. Boulder Reporting Lab first reported on the investigation that led to her resignation.
Currently the chief deputy in the Boulder County Coroner’s Office, Martin has been leading the office since Hall’s departure last fall, leaning on 22 years of experience in the medical examiner and coroner profession.
Martin garnered substantial support from colleagues within the coroner’s office, law enforcement and the local death care industry for his appointment, according to the commissioners.
“The last several months have placed a considerable strain on the coroner’s office staff,” one member of the coroner’s office staff said at a Jan. 11 county commissioners meeting outlining the selection process. “Disruption caused by the investigation has left staff yearning for stability and competent leadership. Chief Martin’s ability to handle the efficiency of the office while effectively leading through such turbulence is a prime example of his exceptional leadership.”
The commissioners’ unanimous decision followed the second round of public interviews conducted yesterday. Former coroner’s office employee Deron Dempsey was the other finalist for the position. Dustin Bueno, another Boulder County Coroner’s Office veteran, interviewed in the first round.
Martin is scheduled to deliver his appointment speech on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the courthouse in downtown Boulder. According to state statute, Martin’s appointment will only last until Jan. 14, 2025. Boulder County residents will have the opportunity to vote for a new coroner in this November’s election.