Lincoln County Administrator John O’Connell announced his resignation to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners at the board’s meeting Tuesday, Jan. 19. His resignation will be effective at the end of March or early April. The commissioners accepted his resignation and his recommendation to advertise in-house to fill the position.
In making his announcement, O’Connell thanked the commissioners for their support, but indicated it was time for him to move on.
In an email from O’Connell to county employees with the subject line “change of direction,” he wrote, “It has been an interesting and productive seven years, but for me, it is time to move on. In fact, five to seven years is a reasonable length of time in a position like this and jobs like town manager. A change of face and approach can be good for any organization.” He also told the county employees he has enjoyed working with them.
O’Connell has been part of county government for many years. He served on the Lincoln County Budget Advisory Committee, was a Lincoln County commissioner himself for 5 1/2 years, and has been county administrator for the past seven years.
“It has taken most of my time, energy, and commitment,” O’Connell said. “In the future, there are some other interests and options that I plan to pursue.”
O’Connell is known for his Irish heritage and his annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon.
“The St. Patrick’s Day lunch for 2016 will still go on, as will Lincoln County,” he said in his email to county employees.
