Kennedy will serve as finance director in Snohomish County in Washington state.
Clark County administrator Nathan Kennedy has resigned his post to take a similar government position in Washington state.
Kennedy’s departure was announced after an executive session was held to discuss employment at Wednesday’s meeting, County Commissioner John Detrick said.
In his new role, Kennedy will serve as the Director of Finance for Snohomish County in Washington state. With 770,000 people, it’s the third-largest county in the state. He will begin his new position on Sept. 1, according to a press release.
“I have enjoyed working for the Board of County Commissioners and serving Clark County in various capacities,” Kennedy said in a press release. “Within the past several years, much has been accomplished by the Clark County elected officials, management team and staff. I am proud to say I was a part of that team.”
A search to find Kennedy’s replacement is expected to begin immediately, Detrick said. Human Resources Director Michelle Noble will serve as the interim county administrator beginning in August until a permanent replacement is hired.
“He’s a good man,” Detrick said. “He’s done an outstanding job of making us one of the best managed counties in the Midwest. We’re responsible with our money. We hope to hire somebody that’s close to him in ability.”
Kennedy was the second administrator in the county’s history. He was hired to replace Darrell Howard — who spent 46 years on the job — in 2011.
He began his career as county finance manager in November 2000. He became Springfield city finance director for several months in 2005, before being hired back by the county as assistant administrator in October 2005.
Kennedy, who directly oversaw a general fund budget of more than $42 million and about 340 county employees, earned $123,028 in salary last year.
The county maintained its AA2 Moody’s bond rating and improved cash balances despite the economic recession, Kennedy said. He was also proud to have begun several projects, including the renovation project at the Common Pleas Courthouse and the A.B. Graham Building, he said.
“I am just fortunate that I was part of a team that made it possible to save enough money to envision these projects and fund them for public use and enjoyment,” Kennedy said.
A very small, but capable staff will be left behind to continue to improve the county, he said.
“Through this staff, managerial framework and financial resources, Clark County will have the opportunity to move forward and take on many of its community challenges, such as its population loss and high poverty rate,” Kennedy said. “I thank the Board and those whom I have had the pleasure of serving.”
The new position is a wonderful opportunity for Kennedy and his family in a much bigger and growing community, County Commissioner Rick Lohnes said.
“As much as we hate for him to leave, you can’t hold it against anybody for improving their lot in life and moving up,” Lohnes said. “It’s great for him.”
Kennedy made several realignments which increased efficiency and saved money, Lohnes said. Kennedy also streamlined the budget process, including a capital improvement plan and a debt management policy, Lohnes said.
“Those are three awesome things he’s spearheaded and led us through,” Lohnes said. “He’s done a great job with that.”
Kennedy has also excelled at personnel management, putting a strong team in place at the director-level who will be able to handle the transition well, County Commissioner David Herier said.
“We’re sad to see him go,” said. “I’m sure a lot more people are, too.”
Kennedy’s fiscal responsibility allowed the county to be more involved in economic development, The Chamber of Greater Springfield Vice President Horton Hobbs said. Kennedy was also very helpful facilitating the deal with Konecranes for the former Clark County Agricultural Building, as well as the Prime Ohio II project, which saw its infrastructure completed last year.
“He was the first person we approached and he was very receptive to that,” Hobbs said. “It paved the way to get support from commissioners. It was essential to bringing the project to fruition. We’re grateful for his leadership.”
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