Steve Stone appointed as next Brunswick County Manager
Incoming County Manager Steve Stone
MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – Brunswick County will soon see a familiar face take the helm of county government operations with the recent appointment of Deputy County Manager Steve Stone as the next county manager.
The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners unanimously moved to appoint Stone following their closed session at their annual meeting Monday, Dec. 6. He will officially transition to his new role Jan. 15, 2022.
“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. “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 joined the Brunswick County team in September 2000. Presently, he has responsibility for the County’s Emergency Services, Operation Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Risk Management teams as well as oversight over purchasing and several quasi-county agencies.
During his tenure, Stone has been instrumental in leading and support several high-level county initiatives and projects, such as co-chairing the wastewater services development teams and chairing the stormwater ordinance development team. He also served as a staff representative on an interdisciplinary 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.
As project director for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-funded Lockwood Folly roundtable, Stone helped build a stronger partnership between the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Brunswick County, and regional development interests as Low-Impact Development was introduced to our region.
“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.”
He noted 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 joining Brunswick County, Stone spent more than 19 years in management in the nonprofit human service sector across North Carolina. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Administration and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Stone will succeed current County Manager Randell Woodruff, who recently announced his plans to retire. Woodruff will continue to serve as county manager with Stone through Jan. 31, 2022.
“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 will work to review Brunswick County’s current organizational structure in anticipation of the upcoming 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.”
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Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, contact the Communications Director at 910.253.2995 or email meagan.kascsak@brunswickcountync.gov