Lincoln County Finance Director Carrie Kipfer (left) with County Administrator John O’Connell. The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners announced Tuesday, Feb. 2 that Kipfer will step into the role of county administrator following O’Connell’s departure. (Maia Zewert photo)
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners announced Tuesday, Feb. 2 that Carrie Kipfer will take the reigns as county administrator following the departure of John O’Connell.
Kipfer, of Alna, has served Lincoln County since 2013, when she was first hired as a part-time payroll clerk. She also served as the county’s business manager before the job was reorganized last year and she became the finance director.
Prior to moving to Maine, Kipfer served the people of Racine County, Wis. for 14 years in a variety of roles.
Kipfer was interviewed by a panel of the three commissioners as well as a representative from the Boothbay Harbor Board of Selectmen and a member of the Lincoln-Sagadahoc Multicounty Jail Authority.
Kipfer said she hopes to work collaboratively with the towns that make up Lincoln County and continue to improve the county’s transparency.
“It’s really important to improve those lines of communication, because it really is a two-way dialogue,” Kipfer said. “We want the county and towns to work together so that we can make sure everyone’s needs are being met.”
Kipfer will work with O’Connell until he steps down in late March. O’Connell announced his resignation during the commissioners’ Jan. 19 meeting after seven years in the position.
“I am very pleased (Kipfer’s) talents were recognized and I know she will continue to serve the county well,” O’Connell said. “The county is being left in very good hands.”
