In last week’s special meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors, the board met to discuss which applicants they would promote to the final rounds of interviews for the role of county manager.
Glenn Kephart, the county’s current manager announced earlier this year that he would be retiring effective July 18, and in the last several months the county has put a lot of time and work into finding a suitable replacement. The county not only went through the typical channels for finding these applicants but also hired a firm called Strategic Government Resources Inc. back in April for recruitment services associated with finding a new county manager.
After the meeting, the board narrowed the pool to two finalists. Firstly, Bryan Layton who has over 17 years of experience in government and is the county’s current assistant manager, as well as holds the title of Human Resources Director for the county. Layton also holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in public administration.
The other finalist is William “Bill” McKinney. His most recent position was the Operating Support Director for the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. McKinney also has over 20 years of governmental experience and holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics/accounting and a master’s degree in business administration.
The during the meeting the supervisors voted to approve the two candidates in a four-to-one decision. Supervisor Fern Benally, who represents District I, voted against the approval of the candidates with little elaboration or explanation during the public portion of the meeting. Due to the nature of the meeting most of it took place in executive session which is not open to the public or the press.
The next step of the process will be a final in-person interview with the candidates. Board Chairman Alberto Peshlakai, with direction from fellow board member Daryl Seymore, directed staff to coordinate an open house with the candidates where they could interact with different elected officials from around the county as well as possibly discuss contract parameters with the candidates before the board has to make decisions on those contracts in their next executive session.
The role of county manager is a crucial part of the success or failure of the county and picking the right candidate for the job is one of the most important tasks within the board’s scope. As the chief administrative executive, the county manager holds the reins of power, entrusted with implementing policies and directing program delivery. This leader plays a key role in shaping the county’s long-term trajectory, collaborating closely with the Board of Supervisors to devise strategies that propel progress.
The county manager’s expertise is vital in assembling a high-performing team, dedicated to serving the community as directed by the board. With an intricate understanding of public administration, they navigate the complex web of laws and regulations, advocating for the county’s interests at every turn. From troubleshooting critical issues to representing the county at influential gatherings, this role requires astute communication skills and adept problem-solving abilities. By fostering robust relationships with stakeholders, the county manager ensures the smooth operation of Navajo County, charting a course towards a prosperous future for its residents. Which explains why the search for the right candidate is so paramount.
