Deschutes County resumes administrator hunt

Deschutes County commissioners said Tuesday they will resume recruitment for a new county administrator after two finalists declined job offers recently.

Here’s a release from the commissioners on their plans, and on a new selection for an interim county administrator:

Deschutes County Board of Commissioners will resume recruitment for the county administrator position working with the Prothman Company of Bellevue, Washington, the recruitment company hired for this process.

Based on the contract with the Prothman Company, Deschutes County will not be charged additional professional fees for the continued recruitment.

The board also appointed Community Development Director Tom Anderson as Interim County Administrator, effective October 29, 2012. Planning Director Nick Lelack will serve as Interim Community Development Director.

Board Chair Anthony DeBone commented, “Tom has successfully managed the Community Development Department during very difficult economic times. Despite decreased revenues and resulting staffing decreases due to severe declines in planning and building activities, his department has been able to maintain service levels and high customer service standards.”

Tom has a strong background in public administration. He was hired by Deschutes County in 1998 as Senior Management Analyst/Operations Manager in CDD and promoted to CDD Director in February 2005.

Prior to his employment with Deschutes County, Tom worked for the City of Long Beach, CA for 12 years in progressively responsible positions in a several departments, including General Services, Community Development, Budget Office, and City Manager’s Office.

Tom has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

The board is very pleased with how Erik Kropp has filled in as Interim County Administrator. Naming Tom as Interim and having Erik return to his role as Deputy County Administrator provides needed capacity in administration. With the upcoming legislative session, beginning of the County’s budget process, and other high-priority projects, the Board noted the importance of having both positions filled.

The County Administrator is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners