King named Jackson County manager
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners has hired Kevin King as the new manager for Jackson County.
“He is more than qualified, he is a Jackson County resident, and we look forward to all the wonderful things that he is going to bring to the table and hopefully lead this county in the right direction.” said Chairman Mark Letson. ”
King is currently working as manager of Swain County. He has over 27 years of public service experience, with 20 years of work as a county manager. He has also worked as a budget officer, finance director, human services director and board clerk.
“This is a very exciting day for Jackson County and all its citizens and employees. The board has worked incredibly hard along with great assistance from Kathleen Breedlove and HR. Terrific pool of candidates really made it difficult,” said Board Attorney Deborah Bechtel.
King holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University in business law and a master’s in business administration with a concentration in public administration from Columbia Southern University. He is a current member of the North Carolina County Manager’s Association, International County Manager’s Association and a State Advisory Council Member for NCSU Cooperative Extension Service representing Jackson, Swain and Macon counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
“I’d like to congratulate Mr. King on becoming Jackson County’s new county manager,” said Commissioner Tom Stribling. “I think we’ve made the right choice.”
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King is also a Board of Trustees member for the North Carolina County Commissioners Association County Risk Group, which helps manage workers compensation and property and liability insurance for 70 North Carolina counties.
“This is my third opportunity to be part of the group that selected the county manager,” said Commissioner Mark Jones. “It was a difficult decision. Of all the times that I’ve been a part of the selection committee, this was the toughest. We chose an excellent candidate to take Jackson County to our next level.”
As county manager, King will direct and supervise the administration of all departments, which collectively encompass Jackson County’s 438 full-time employees. His first official day is April 8.
“I’d like to thank everyone that applied and interviewed,” said Commissioner Todd Bryson.
Previous County Manager Don Adams announced his resignation late last year, which went into effect Dec. 31. Since that time, Finance Director Darlene Fox has been serving as interim county manager.
“I want to thank Ms. Fox for her help in the interim as well as balancing both the upcoming budget and her work as interim county manager,” said Jones.
