News

New county manager loses 'interim' in front of title

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 22, 2021

Henderson County commissioners showed their confidence in John Mitchell by taking something away — the “interim” in front of his title as county manager.

Appointed to the role with a six-month probation in June, Mitchell had served as the county’s director of business and community development for the past eight years.
When it promoted Mitchell, “the board decided to make it an interim position to give John some time to reassess with a few months’ experience whether he felt this was what he wanted to continue to pursue and give the board a chance to see how John performed,” Chairman Bill Lapsley said at a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday. “Over the past week, we have all decided that three and a half months is enough probation and we’re very pleased to make the transition from interim county manager to full county manager.”
Mitchell, who is now working under a four-year contract, praised the elected commissioners for their service.
“Being a public servant in the way that they volunteered to do is a real tough job,” he said. “Certainly there are moments that are not fun. You’ve got a great group of people here who have a heart for this community and service.”
Turning to the staff, he said, “This is a team and I know that, and I’m looking at the people out there that make this organization run in the quality way that it does and I want to say a word of thanks to you.... It’s a high honor.”