JCC Supes Setting Wish List for New Administrator

By Desiree Parker Monday, February 08, 2010

James City County supervisors are in the process of hunting for a new county administrator before Sandy Wanner retires this summer, and they’re getting close to finding some candidates to choose from.

WYDaily checked in with Wanner to find out where supervisors are in the process, and when county residents can expect to hear some news.

In November, a committee reviewed proposals from various executive search firms and recommended the county choose Springsted, Inc. The last time the county used a search firm was in the late 1980s, Wanner says.

Springsted and the county negotiated a $16,500 consultant fee and a $4,800 cap for project expenses, including advertising and consultant travel. Staff estimates travel expenses for final candidates will be $5,000 or less, bringing the funds for the search to a little over $26,000.

Though Wanner was promoted from Assistant County Administrator to his current position without the county hiring an executive search firm, larger organizations like James City generally use them, he says. This time around, Wanner suggested the county find such a firm.

Once Springsted was chosen, they met with supervisors and various community leaders from organizations like the NAACP, the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance, William and Mary and others, to find out what qualifications folks looked for in an administrator.

In January, supervisors decided to meet one-on-one with Springsted (instead of having the discussion during their work session) to whittle down the criteria list. Once the list is approved by supervisors, they’ll share it with the community and advertise for the position.

Anyone qualified is welcome to submit an application at that time, Wanner says.

Once Springsted screens the applicants, the board will get the list and choose candidates they’d like to interview.

Wanner says he hopes they have someone in place by the end of May or early June – “because come August first, I’m out the door!”

Wanner has been in his current position for about 13 years, and has been working for the county for 25 years.

Supervisors say Wanner will be sorely missed. "I think there's no question it will be very hard [to replace him]," Supervisor John McGlennon said when the board chose Springstead last January.

"I think Sandy has taken special efforts over the years to be fully engaged in the community. He's widely respected for the work he does understanding every issue, and for his willingness to get involved in the community to help him better understand it."

Read more about the beginnings of the search here.