Current Brunswick County Deputy County Manager Steve Stone has been appointed to serve as the next county manager.
County officials announced Wednesday that Stone will officially transition to his new role Jan. 15.
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The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners unanimously moved to appoint Stone following a closed-session discussion during its meeting Monday.
Stone succeeds current County Manager Randell Woodruff, who recently announced his plans to retire. Woodruff is to continue as county manager with Stone through Jan. 31.
“Steve has been a core member of Brunswick County’s administration team over the years, and the Board and I have great appreciation for his service and confidence in his leadership abilities,” Chairman Randy Thompson said in a statement. “He brings a robust amount of experience in county and regional issues along with a number of new ideas to help us achieve our long-term goals. We look forward to further collaboration with Steve to achieve these goals together.”
Stone began working for Brunswick County in September 2000 and currently oversees the county’s emergency services, operation services, human resources, information technology, risk management and purchasing, as well as several quasi-county agencies.
“Being on the Brunswick County team is a great privilege, and I am honored to have this opportunity to continue to serve this county and organization in this new capacity,” Stone said. “I appreciate the Board of Commissioners’ trust in appointing me to this position and am excited to continue working together with our team and community in the years ahead.”
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Stone co-chaired the wastewater services development teams and chaired the stormwater ordinance development team, and served as staff representative on team that transitioned the administration and operations of the county’s senior service programs from under Brunswick County Social Services to a senior-guided nonprofit organization, according to the county.
As project director for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-funded Lockwood Folly roundtable, Stone partnered with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Brunswick County and regional development interests as low-impact development principles were introduced to the region.
Stone added that some of the most rewarding parts of serving Brunswick County over the years include working with a stellar staff and getting to know so many of the old and new residents that make Brunswick County such a great place to live and work.
Prior to Brunswick County, Stone spent more than 19 years in management in the nonprofit human service sector across North Carolina. He earned a bachelor’s in recreation administration and a master’s in public administration from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Steve these past few years and appreciate the knowledge and insight he brings to our team,” Woodruff said. “I wish him the best of luck as he embarks on this new opportunity. Between Steve and the exceptional leadership team we have in place at the County, I know that the organization will continue to serve our community well.”
Over the next few weeks, Brunswick County’s administration team is expected to work on a review of the county’s organizational structure in anticipation of the transition.
“Providing residents and employees with exceptional service and support while continuing to pursue forward-thinking and innovative ideas remain key priorities for the Brunswick County team,” Stone said. “I am proud to serve this county and am eager to take on this new and exciting challenge in my career.”
