Being the guy who counts the pennies is rarely rewarded, but Bruce Lebsack, director of finance and administration for the Metro District, earned a day in the spotlight. The Special District Association of Colorado awarded Lebsack the distinguished manager award in September.

The conference was held at Keystone Sept. 23-25.

Lebsack has worked with Highlands Ranch Metro District for 27 years. He and his staff worked out the financial details of district consolidation, which brought the debts owed by the original four populated districts in Highlands Ranch into one debt without incurring additional interest.

During his time with the Metro District, he has been part of more than $300 million worth of capital construction projects. Under Lebsack’s direction, the Metro District’s finances have gone from unrated to a AA+ standard & Poor’s rating.

He has been part of all major decisions the district has signed, including partnerships with surrounding communities, including negotiating an intergovernmental agreement with Reunion Metropolitan District; and creating partnerships with the City of Littleton and the Littleton Fire Protection District.

In addition to his work with the Metro District, Lebsack has served as a member of and past chairman of the Colotrust Board of Trustees and the Governor’s Advisory Committees on Governmental Accounting and Municipal Bonds.

In November 2008, the Metro District Board of Directors honored Lebsack by renaming the community tennis center the Bruce Lebsack Tennis Center for his unparalleled contributions to the community, and his personal passion for tennis.